Depression Looks Different In Older People 
Depression, and its symptoms, can look very different in older people. In the United States, about six million older Americans suffer from a form of depression, and the National Institute of Mental Health considers this condition a major health problem. If you care for an elderly loved one, however, it’s important that you understand how clinical depression can present itself differently in people over the age of 65.
Why does depression look different in seniors? As we age, our bodies often develop multiple illnesses whose symptoms, collectively, can either mask depression or mimic symptoms of depression. It can also be difficult to diagnose because an older person can be taking multiple medications with effects that can also get confused with effects of depression. Additionally, depression is associated with a higher risk of cardiac diseases and of death from illness.
Concurrently, depression can inhibit an older person’s ability to rehabilitate from illness. For all of these reasons, it is important to get your loved one evaluated by medical professionals if you suspect their mood has changed significantly.
For seniors, these are the more common symptoms of depression:
• Frequently feeling tired
• Having trouble sleeping at night
• Feeling confused, grumpy or angry
• Losing focus and interest in ordinary daily activities
• Experiencing enduring aches and pains
It's also important to know that depression is common among older people with dementia and dementia can present similar symptoms as depression. Elderly onset of depression can also be a symptom of dementia.
Doctors tend to treat depression in older adults differently than the normal protocol, so make sure your loved one sees a geriatric specialist. If you suspect your loved ones’ depression may be a result of isolation, loss of a support system or other life changes, companionship may help. As a service offered by BrightStar Care, we can provide trained professionals to care for your loved one in everyday tasks and activities.
Depression, and its symptoms, can look very different in older people. In the United States, about six million older Americans suffer from a form of depression, and the National Institute of Mental Health considers this condition a major health problem. If you care for an elderly loved one, however, it’s important that you understand how clinical depression can present itself differently in people over the age of 65.
Why does depression look different in seniors? As we age, our bodies often develop multiple illnesses whose symptoms, collectively, can either mask depression or mimic symptoms of depression. It can also be difficult to diagnose because an older person can be taking multiple medications with effects that can also get confused with effects of depression. Additionally, depression is associated with a higher risk of cardiac diseases and of death from illness.
Concurrently, depression can inhibit an older person’s ability to rehabilitate from illness. For all of these reasons, it is important to get your loved one evaluated by medical professionals if you suspect their mood has changed significantly.
For seniors, these are the more common symptoms of depression:
• Frequently feeling tired
• Having trouble sleeping at night
• Feeling confused, grumpy or angry
• Losing focus and interest in ordinary daily activities
• Experiencing enduring aches and pains
It's also important to know that depression is common among older people with dementia and dementia can present similar symptoms as depression. Elderly onset of depression can also be a symptom of dementia.
Doctors tend to treat depression in older adults differently than the normal protocol, so make sure your loved one sees a geriatric specialist. If you suspect your loved ones’ depression may be a result of isolation, loss of a support system or other life changes, companionship may help. As a service offered by BrightStar Care, we can provide trained professionals to care for your loved one in everyday tasks and activities.