Depression in the Elderly: Recognizing Symptoms and Seeking Help
CDC data referenced by the National Council on Aging shows that between 1% and 5% of older adults residing in the general community have depression. Seeing your elderly parent or relative struggle with depression can be heartbreaking.
Depression in the elderly can significantly affect their emotional well-being. It makes it impossible for many older adults to cherish their golden years.
However, depression in seniors becomes intense when overlooked. Recognizing it early helps protect senior mental health and enhance their quality of life.
Keep reading to learn more about aging and depression, and seeking effective treatment.
Understanding Depression in the Elderly
Depression is a mental health disorder that influences a person's thoughts, actions, and emotions. It affects how a senior thinks, feels, and behaves.
Depression is more prevalent in older adults. However, this doesn't mean that it should be part of your senior's aging process.
To understand more about depression in the elderly, you need to know its types and stages. The most common types of depression in older adults include:
- Major depressive disorder
- Bipolar disorder or manic depression
- Persistent depressive disorder
- Seasonal affective disorder
Major depressive disorder is the most intense, with a persistent dark mood. It increases the risk of emotional and physical issues. It poses the greatest threat to senior mental health.
Bipolar depression has moderate symptoms. It causes sudden mood swings. Seniors with this disorder frequently experience emotional highs (mania) and emotional lows (hypomania).
Persistent depressive disorder is less intense. It is gradual but lasts longer. It's mostly associated with emotional lows and doesn't significantly affect a senior's emotional well-being.
Seasonal affective disorder affects older adults during particular times of the year - mostly fall and winter months. This time of the year has shorter, darker days. Seasonal affective disorder can affect you or your loved ones if you have limited outdoor access.
Depression in older adults evolves in four stages, which include:
- Mild depression
- Moderate depression
- Severe depression
- Chronic depression
Causes of Depression
Depression in seniors is influenced by a myriad of biological, physical, physiological, and social factors. Check out these factors:
Biological Factors
Old age causes changes in the brain's genetics and chemistry. The brain's neurons get damaged, failing to produce adequate chemicals known as neurotransmitters.
Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine create negative feelings of depression. A decline in levels of hormones like estrogen and testosterone also causes mood disorders.
Brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex may shrink in old age. This interferes with the brain's structure, impairing mood regulation and causing depression.
Physical Factors
Most seniors suffer from chronic conditions due to weak immune systems. You or your loved one may have:
- Hypertension
- Diabetes
- Parkinson's disease
- Dementia
- Arthritis
- Cancer
- Stroke
These conditions cause chronic pain, which impairs a senior's emotional regulation. Neurological conditions like Parkinson's disease cause depression by impairing brain functioning and cognitive abilities.
Other physical factors that can cause depression in seniors include:
- Medication side effects
- Nutritional deficiency
- Fractures and mobility problems
Psychological Factors
These are the mental and emotional aspects that make seniors develop depression. Cognitive decline is a major psychological aspect that leads to depression in older adults.
Fear of aging and past trauma may also cause some seniors to develop stress. Such factors lead to feelings of loneliness, which trigger emotional dysregulation.
You can help your elderly parents by taking them to a good independent senior living community. Here, they'll interact with their peers and overcome loneliness.
The communities also allow older adults to engage in various social activities that boost their mood. You or your loved one can participate in celebrations, activities, and events like:
- Technology, Entertainment, and Design (TED) talks
- Worship services
- Game nights
- Cultural outings
- Movie nights
- Shopping excursions
Social Factors
Social factors are life dynamics that happen to seniors, just like any other person. They cause sudden changes, which leave many seniors depressed.
Social factors that can lead to feelings of anxiety and depression in seniors include:
- Grief due to loss of a spouse
- Retirement
- Relocation
- Financial challenges
- Poor living conditions
Symptoms of Depression in Seniors
Symptoms of depression vary depending on the disorder's type and stage. Understanding the symptoms allows you to detect the problem and seek help early.
You also become more supportive and patient with your aging loved one. Emotional support makes seniors feel loved and valued, leading to a better mood.
Wondering how you can tell that your aged parent or relative has depression? Check out these symptoms:
- Persistent anxiety
- Feelings of hopelessness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Irritation and agitation
- Difficulty sitting still
- Difficulty paying attention
- Social withdrawal
- Suicidal thoughts
- Loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Change in sleep patterns
- Loss of appetite
- Trouble making sound decisions
Independent senior living communities have a variety of mental health resources to help alleviate these symptoms.
- Sensations dining
- Celebrations, activities, and events
- Health and fitness programs
- Fun and entertainment activities
- Full-time concierge services
- Impressions housekeeping and maintenance
Treatment and Therapy for Seniors
Timely interventions help prevent health complications like respiratory and heart-related issues. Professional intervention improves a senior's cognitive health. It also leads to better treatment outcomes.
Psychotherapy is a great intervention for seniors with depression. It provides a safe environment for your loved one to express feelings of depression.
Psychotherapists understand and address the underlying causes of depression. Through talk therapy, seniors feel heard and understood, leading to better relief.
This therapy for seniors comes in the form of:
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Relaxation techniques: mindfulness and meditation
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
Antidepressants and mood stabilizers can also help seniors manage depression. Independent senior living communities offer medication management services to ensure better treatment outcomes.
Addressing Depression in Older Adults
Depression in the elderly isn't a normal part of aging - don't ignore it! It deserves attention, action, and empathy.
Conservatory At Alden Bridge believes that aging shouldn't be a lonely journey, but a vibrant, fulfilling one. We offer seniors an enriching lifestyle full of social activities, health and wellness programs, and compassionate care designed to uplift both the mind and spirit.
Reach out today and let's support you or your elderly loved one. A brighter and happier golden age starts here!