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What are the warning signs of depression that I should be looking out for as a caregiver?
This is a common question. And it’s a real problem among our elderly.
Geriatric depression affects about 6 million Americans who are 65 years and above. Unfortunately, only 10% get diagnosed and treated correctly.
It is also easy to confuse the warning signs of depression as an effect of another illness.
So today, we are taking a look at red flags you should watch out for in our aging parents.
You’d think it’s normal for the elderly to get emotional at times. After all, they’re already at the end phase of their lives.
It’s also common for them to rekindle their past, from the good and the bad. And sometimes, it triggers negative memories and emotions in the elderly.
So how do we know if it’s just a momentary emotion? How do you know if your aging parents are suffering from geriatric depression?
Research shows that older people don’t experience depression the same way as young ones do.
Most seniors experiencing depression often experience physical symptoms like headaches, backaches, and fatigue.
Cognitive issues are also common. And most of the time, seniors think it’s just a symptom of old age.
Unfortunately, geropsychology is not gaining as much traction as it needs to learn more about geriatric depression.
And most of the time, experts often misdiagnose it for other diseases like memory loss or medication side effects.
Depression in the elderly can be caused by multiple factors, including genetics, traumatic life events, and even chemical imbalances in the brain.
It can also be triggered by certain external factors like financial hardships, isolation, life transitions, and even chronic medical conditions.
The real challenge with depression in the elderly is having the right mindset about it.
Contrary to popular belief, geriatric depression isn’t normal. And even if we’re in a time of advanced medical treatments, depression is still considered taboo for some.
Now it’s up to us as caregivers to be aware of the warning signs of depression in our aging parents.
Once we recognize the symptoms, it will be easier for us to find the right approach for treatment.
Now we go back to our question. How do you know the difference between “the blues” and clinical depression in the elderly?
Truth is, depression can look and feel different in each person.
The media has shown us personifications of depression, like Eeyore in Winnie the Pooh or Sadness in the movie Inside Out.
And somehow that has an impact on the way we perceive what being depressed is like.
According to research, depression in old age may not even be a display of sadness. Instead, it could be more of numbness and lack of interest.
It can also look different based on a person’s cultural background.
We all have certain behavioral codes for moods and emotions. Silence for one culture can be a norm and alarming in the next.
And for some, depression can manifest in the form of physical pain. It can range from aversions and pains to hyperacidity and other digestive problems.
Depression in older people is also commonly associated with dementia. However, mood expert Francis Mondimore, MD explains that it’s not.
A huge difference is how the person responds.
An elderly person with depression may get frustrated with the decline in cognitive functions. While an elder with dementia may not be aware they are having cognitive troubles.
It is, however, connected to dementia. Those who experience late-life depression have been correlated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease eventually.
Here are some of the red flags and warning signs of depression you should watch out for.
If you see any of these symptoms consistently, it’s best to reach out to experts for help.
For depression support, start here.
The good news is, there are many treatment options available for depression in seniors.
That’s why it’s important for you as a caregiver to know what signs to look out for. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the patient will respond to the treatment process.
Here are some of the most important steps you need to take to help treat geriatric depression.
It is best to ask the help of mental health professional. They can help you assess the patient’s mental condition and provide the best assistance possible.
Psychotherapy is the most common treatment for depression. Here, licensed mental health care professionals can use different approaches to uncover the root of the behavior.
They can also help make the decision for medication including hormones or antidepressants.
If you’re worried about the costs, check with your insurance or Medicare to see if it’s covered.
For assistance, you can also check out the American Psychological Association, Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, Mental Health America, and the National Institute for Mental Health.
You can also check your aging parent’s medicine cabinets for medications that might trigger depressive episodes.
And they are more at risk if they are taking multiple medications at the same time.
Our bodies become less tolerant of medicine as we grow older. And age has an impact on how we metabolize medication.
Here are some medications that can cause or worsen depression in seniors:
If you notice any changes in your loved one’s behaviors or mood patterns after taking certain medications, contact your doctor immediately.
As they say, food is medicine. And what your aging parents eat can greatly affect their moods and emotions.
Feeding the elderly can be a challenge, especially if they’re struggling with digestion problems or appetite issues.
So it’s best for you to plan what they eat carefully.
Go for rainbow colors on the plate. Add colorful soups from fresh produce to the menu.
If possible, incorporate familiar procedures during meal times. Say grace. Schedule meals together. Cook their favorites.
You can even encourage them to join in the food preparation.
Food has a magical way of binding people together. Encourage conversations while at the table.
Read more about tips on how to avoid digestion problems in seniors.
It’s best to encourage your aging parents to move regularly.
A simple exercise can do wonders for the body. It releases happy hormones and also strengthens muscles and joints.
Exposure to sunlight can also do wonders for one’s mental and physical health.
Encourage them to try new hobbies or find new interests.
Running out of ideas to try with your aging parent? Here are some therapeutic activities you can try.
It’s important for caregivers to recognize warning signs of depression in the elderly as soon as possible.
To do that, we must first break the stigma that surrounds what depression should look and feel like.
We must also be ready to support our seniors and encourage them to overcome depression. This way they can still live their lives to the fullest.
That’s all for today.
Take care, keep mom safe and have a great day!
Winn
I am a Doctor of Physical Therapy and have been working with the 70+ age group for over a decade. I will share my knowledge and experience to give you ideas to care for your aging parents. Read more >>