Monitor depression in seniors

Depression is more common in the elderly than in any other age group, affecting 20% of those living in the community and 40% of those who are living in care homes, according to the Mental Health Foundation statistics on mental health. Although they comprise only 12 percent of the U.S. population, people age 65 and older account for more than 16 percent of suicide deaths.

Depression is not a normal part of aging, so persistent depression that interferes significantly with the ability to function signals the need for greater monitoring, and may require the involvement of a physician. One of the challenges in diagnosing depression in seniors is that older people are less likely to complain of feeling sad or of having low moods and instead, will often complain of physical aches and pains.

“Depression is an epidemic in the senior population, which is often manifested by the increasing levels of suicide being seen in this population. Mental health is not discussed or embraced in our culture, but it is important that seniors receive ongoing professional medical evaluation to assess risk factors for depression and increased anxiety regarding their job, families and independence, including driving,” according to Eldercare Navigator and RN, Mardy Chizek, president of Westmont-based Charism Elder Care Services, which offers comprehensive eldercare services not available from another single source and is built on results that address medical and daily living issues with dignity and safety.

Chizek notes that it can be difficult to diagnose depression in elderly people because the physical symptoms will often accompany other medical conditions and many will attribute any aches and pains either to illness or will consider them a natural part of growing old and not as a result of any underlying depression.

Confusion and memory lapses are relatively common symptoms in the depressed elderly, which also can include fatigue, loss of appetite, lack of concentration, and

There is no one cause of depression, but may in fact include a combination of psychological, physical, biological and environmental factors that can trigger a depressive episode and in the elderly.

This can include a previous history of depression; fear of dying or death or of losing someone close; frustration with disability or slowing down of mental faculties; loss of loved ones; major life events (retirement, living alone, moving into a nursing or retirement home); loneliness and isolation; lack of support; decreased mobility; dependency on others; a pessimistic view of the future; vascular changes in the brain.

“Since depression in older adults and the elderly is often the result of a difficult life situation or challenge. This is an issue that caregivers should take seriously and work with a medical professional to create a treatment plan to control the depression so it doesn't become more serious,” adds Chizek.

For more information on the management and care of depression in seniors, visit Mardy Chizek and Charism Elder Care Services on-line at www.charism.net.