Site Meter Mental & Emotional Health » Blog Archive » Depression in the Elderly - An Overview, II

Depression in the Elderly - An Overview, II

by Sarah Gould

sad_old_lady.jpgContinuing with my overview of depression in the elderly population, today I’d like to finish that up and then as the week progresses, we will address the causes of elderly depression along with signs & symptoms, treatments, what to do if you know a depressed elderly person, self-help for the elderly with depression and then a brief bit on dementia and Alzheimer’s and their impact on depression in the elderly.

Like I said in my previous entries on depression in the elderly, 2 million of the 35 million elderly (”elderly” is considered to be the population above 65 years old) live with full-blown depression, but a only a very small percentage get the help that they need. Many people assume (and we all know what happens when we assume) that seniors have a good reason to be depressed, or, because it is rather common, that the depression is a natural stage in aging. Isolation also leads to the lack of recognition with elderly depression. Oftentimes, physicians will concentrate solely on physical, rather than mental or emotional ailments when the elderly are at the their regular appointments. On top of all this, many depressed seniors don’t talk about their feelings or ask for help.

There are serious risks for older adults who leave their depression untreated. Physical illnesses, alcohol and prescription drug dependence (self-medicating), a higher than average mortality rate and it can even lead to suicide. It is incredibly important to watch for the warning signs & symptoms of depression and get professional help as soon as it’s noticed. With this attention, support and treatment, depressed seniors can feel better! “No one, whether they’re 18 or 80, has to live with depression.”

, ,


Posted in Depression, Elderly on December 16th, 2007

Link to this Entry

Recent Posts

Related Posts

One Response to “Depression in the Elderly - An Overview, II”

  1. Mental & Emotional Health » Blog Archive » Depression in the Eldery - Causes Says:
    December 17th, 2007 at 8:07 am

    [...] in the Eldery - Causes by Sarah Gould Yesterday I finished up the general overview of elderly depression and today I’d like to start addressing some of the causes of depression in the [...]

Leave a Reply


About Mental & Emotional Health

Explore mental and emotional health issues including mood disorders, depression, anxiety and anger problems. We’ll also keep up with the latest scientific research on developments related to mental health. Stress, physical illnesses and pain can trigger negative feelings and despair but we’ll focus on how to cope through those difficult times.

Mental & Emotional Health Author(s)
    » Jerri-Ann

NAVIGATE

LINKS

CATEGORIES

TOP COMMENTERS

RECENT COMMENTS

SUBSCRIBE

ARCHIVES

Science & Health Channel Links

 

Science & Health Channel Posts

  • Is a Vegan Diet Healthy?
    "Is a vegan diet healthy?" is a common question, particularly amongst people contemplating a change. Here are answers from four popular, non-vegan, Q&A Web sites, columns, and health [...]
  • A Different Kind of Wrinkle
    You know how I feel about those weight loss teas so I'll spare you a rehashing of my take on them. If you think that things are moving as you think they should (hopefully I don't have to be graphic) [...]
  • All About Metformin
    What is metformin? Metformin is an oral diabetes medicine that helps control blood sugar levels. Metformin is for people with type 2 (non-insulin-dependent) diabetes. Metformin is sometimes used [...]
  • Curb Hunger Pangs with This Oil
    Here's a snack that ought to stop you from, well, snacking: whole-grain bread dipped in olive oil. Restaurants have the right idea. Some serve a plate of aromatic, fruity olive oil with whole [...]
  • The Seed That Staves Off Heart Disease
    Can something the size of a pinhead help your heart? Sure, if it's a simple sesame seed. Eating the teeny seeds could help keep your ticker in top form by bringing down cholesterol and boosting [...]
  • Depression and Parkinson's Disease
    It's common for people with Parkinson's Disease to also have another disease -- depression. About half of all people with Parkinson's Disease also have diagnoseable depression. In fact, some [...]
  • UK Goes For Green Migraine Inducing Light Bulbs
    They're usually called "green lightbulbs", even though compact flourescent usually don't give off a green light. They are far more energy efficient than incandescent lightbulbs and are said to last [...]
  • Healthy New Year
    Nine out of every ten publications you pick up this time of year report on getting fit for the new year. Nine out of ten people that resolve to do so will be back to their old habits by Valentines [...]
  • HAVING A BIG BOTTOM CAN BE GOOD FOR YOU
    From the Daily Express: BIG-BOTTOMED women take heart. Scientists have found that having a generously-proportioned derriere could be good for you. They have discovered that a larger bottom can [...]
  • Women Warned: Eat Less or Weigh More
    Calorie Cutback Cuts Women's Odds of Middle-Age Weight Gain Women who don't try to eat less more than double their risk of substantial weight gain in middle age, a three-year study shows. If [...]

 

Hot Off The Press

  • Free Ziploc Back to Basics Gift Pack
    Back to Basics Gift Pack The first 5,000* people to respond will receive a variety pack of three Ziploc® Brand Big Bags—perfect for organizing and storing post-holiday clutter, clothing, toys [...]
  • A Curious Case of Cynthia McKinney.
    http://smokingmirrors.blogspot.com/ According to whoever is giving you the information, Cynthia McKinney assaulted a Capitol Police officer at Congress one day… she didn't have her I.D. It [...]
  • Brit Vs Jess?
    Well, well, it seems that the rivalry of Britney Spears and Jessica Simpson is back. But not in the music hit charts. When Brit decided to shave all of her gorgeous, blonde hair off last year, [...]
  • How Many Hours Until the Golden Globes?
    There is no Jolie-Pitt news today. Nothing. Nada. And while I usually would be freaking out a little about the lack-of-news, I know that we'll see the couple on Sunday for the Golden Globes! I [...]
  • The "State of Play" Movie Trailer with Ben Affleck and Russell Crowe
    This tense thriller is based on the popular BBC mini-series of the same title. The film follows a team of investigative reporters who work alongside a police detective to try to solve the murder [...]
  • Congratulations to The Office For PGA Nomination
    The Office has been nominated for in this year's culmination of the Producers Guild Awards. The ceremonies will be held on the 24th of January. Congratulations to Greg Daniels and Kent Zbornak for [...]
  • 2009 Golden Globe Nominees
    The 2009 Golden Globe Awards will take place this Sunday night, January 11 at  8pm EST.  The show will air live on NBC.  Here are the nominees: BEST TELEVISION SERIES – DRAMA [...]
  • Winter Blahs
    [caption id="attachment_770" align="aligncenter" width="280" caption="Like them?"][/caption] I think I'm feeling some post-holiday winter blahs. I live in an area that winter sticks around...we [...]
  • The After Show
    I am beginning to think that MTV is adding a new element to its Reality programming and it is called The Aftershow. It seems to have started with The Hills and is apparently going to be a part of the [...]
  • Curb Hunger Pangs with This Oil
    Here's a snack that ought to stop you from, well, snacking: whole-grain bread dipped in olive oil. Restaurants have the right idea. Some serve a plate of aromatic, fruity olive oil with whole [...]