Depression symptoms in elderly

• While depression and sadness might seem to go hand and hand, many depressed seniors claim not to feel sad at all. They may complain, instead, of low motivation, a lack of energy, or physical problems. In fact, physical complaints, such as arthritis pain or worsening headaches, are often the predominant symptom of depressi

Depression in older adults may be difficult to recognize because older people may have different symptoms than younger people. For some older adults with depression, sadness is not their main symptom. They could instead be feeling more of a numbness or a lack of interest in activities. They may not be as willing to talk about their feelings.

What is the most common cause of depression in older adults?

Older adults also may have more medical conditions, such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer , which may cause depressive symptoms. Or they may be taking medications with side effects that contribute to depression.

What are 4 major causes of depression?

What Are the Main Causes of Depression ? Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can increase the vulnerability to clinical depression later in life. Certain medications. Conflict. Death or a loss. Genetics. Major events. Other personal problems. Serious illnesses.

What are the causes of late life depression?

Causes and Risk Factors for Late – Life Depression Delayed , complicated grief. Social isolation. Disability. Financial concerns and struggles. Using a number of medications to treat physical problems.

What are the changes seen in a depressed person?

They slow down, speak more slowly, move about as if carrying a weight on their shoulders and dragging weights around their ankles. Even periods of mild depression show in facial expressions and gestures, both of which reduce in number.

What is considered old age for a woman?

Most of Europe have similar views of old age to the World Health Organisation, believing old age starts at 65 years of age . In America, one researcher found that you are considered old at 70 to 71 years of age for men and 73 to 73 for women. Just under a decade ago in Britain, people believed old age started at 59.

How do you cheer up the elderly?

10 Ways to Help Seniors Deal with Isolation and Depression Treat sleeping problems. Promote a sense of purpose. Encourage social interaction. Keep them physically active. Make sure they eat healthy. Entrust them with a chore. Show them they’re loved. Seek professional help.

What happens in the brain during depression?

An enlarged and hyperactive amygdala, along with abnormal activity in other parts of the brain , can result in disturbances in sleep and activity patterns. It can also cause the body to release irregular amounts of hormones and other chemicals in the body, leading to further complications.

How does depression affect the synapse?

Basic and clinical studies demonstrate that depression is associated with reduced size of brain regions that regulate mood and cognition, including the prefrontal cortex and the hippocampus, and decreased neuronal synapses in these areas.

What are the leading causes of depression?

What Are the Main Causes of Depression? Abuse. Past physical, sexual, or emotional abuse can cause depression later in life. Certain medications . Conflict. Death or a loss. Genetics. Major events. Other personal problems. Serious illnesses .

How old is elderly?

65 years

What age is Late Life?

Late-life depression refers to a major depressive episode occurring for the first time in an older person (usually over 50 or 60 years of age ).

What is the safest antidepressant for seniors?

Choice of antidepressant The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and the newer antidepressants buproprion , mirtazapine , moclobemide , and venlafaxine (a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor or SNRI) are all relatively safe in the elderly.

What are the 5 signs of mental illness?

The five main warning signs of mental illness are as follows: Excessive paranoia, worry, or anxiety . Long-lasting sadness or irritability . Extreme changes in moods. Social withdrawal . Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping pattern.

How does depression change your Behaviour?

Depression affects your mood, thoughts, feelings, behaviors and physical health. Severe depression can result in losing the ability to feel pleasure in the things you once enjoyed. It can also cause you to withdraw from your social relationships even from people to whom you are closest.

Can depression cause neurological symptoms?

“Not only are people with some of the major neurologic conditions more likely to develop depression , but a history of depression is associated with a higher risk of developing several of the neurologic conditions, such as epilepsy, migraine, stroke, Parkinson’s disease , and dementia,” said Dr. Kanner.