Healthy People 2020 Objective:
Reduce the proportion of adults aged 18 years and older who experience major depressive episodes (MDEs).
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Depression:
- Sadness
- Unexplained aches and pains
- Loss of interest in socializing
- Weight loss or loss of apetite
- Hopeless or helpless feeling
- Lack of energy and motivation
- Sleep disturbances, such as lack of sleep or overlseeping
- Slowed movement and speech
- Increase use of alcohol or drugs
- Fixation on death
- Memory problems
- Neglecting personal care
"Depression is not a normal or necessary part or aging."
Risk Factors for Depression:
- Family history of depression
- Living alone or social isolation
- Loss of loved ones
- Substance
Medical conditions can cause depression in older adults.
- Parkinson's Disease
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Diabetes
- Thyroid disorders
- Vitman B12 deficiency
- Dementia or Alzheimer's
- Lupus
- Multiple Sclerosis
Depression can also occur as a side effect to many common medications.
Seeking Help:
If you are experiencing any of the signs and symptoms above, go to your doctor. Your physician may ask you a series of questions and assess you using the Geriatric Depression Scale. They will be able to provide you with resources and assistance in relieving depression.
Taking Action:
There are many things that you can do to help prevent or treat depression.
- Avoid isolation and spend time with others
- Move frequently and exercise
- Stay away from alcohol
- Get plenty of sleep
- Eat omega-3 fats
- Pick up new hobbies
- Minimize intake of sugar and refined carbs
- Counseling and therapy
- Taking medications as instructed
Sources:
- Depression in Older Adults. (n.d.). Retrieved March 08, 2017, from https://www.helpguide.org/articles/depression/depression-in-older-adults-and-the-elderly.htm
- Fiske, A., Wetherell, J. L., & Gatz, M. (2009). Depression in Older Adults. Retrieved March 08, 2017, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2852580/
- William J. Strawbridge, Stéphane Deleger, Robert E. Roberts, George A. Kaplan; Physical Activity Reduces the Risk of Subsequent Depression for Older Adults. Am J Epidemiol 2002; 156 (4): 328-334. doi: 10.1093/aje/kwf047
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