Philadelphia,
PA--Memorial
Hospital
knows fighting long illnesses, dealing with loss of friends and
family along with emotional and physical changes associated with
the aging process is understandably difficult for an elderly
individual to manage.
But for those caring for an elderly loved one, paying
attention to prolonged changes in a seniors behavior can help
diagnose depression and can lead to necessary, and sometimes,
life-saving treatment.
According to Susan Gilman, M.D., medical director of the
Elder
Center
for Behavioral Health at
Roxborough
Memorial
some signs of depression are more difficult to pinpoint than
others, which can make diagnosing the disease in the elderly
difficult.
No matter what age, prolonged depression is not normal,
says Dr. Gilman.
Whether using medication or psychotherapy, a depressed senior
can rise above the gloom of this disease.
And in some cases, when the individuals caregiver has
the opportunity to help detect the depression, that caregiver
can become a life-giver.
To help detect depression, there are several signs those
caring for the elderly can keep top-of-mind.A physician should be seen if the following symptoms last
for more than two-weeks:
- A
constant feeling of emptiness, sadness or anxiety
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- A
loss of interest or pleasure in ordinary activities, including
sex
- Problems sleeping (insomnia, oversleeping, early-morning waking)
- Problems with eating and gain or loss of weight
- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions
- Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
- Aches and pains that don't subside or respond to treatment
- Irritability
- Excessive crying
- Thoughts of death or suicide, or a suicide attempt
Because symptoms
associated with depression may be a side effect of medication or
can co-occur with other medical conditions or illnesses,
caregivers should note that diagnosing depression in the elderly
may be more complicated.For instance, weight loss, sleep disturbances and low
energy levels may occur in seniors with heart disease and
diabetes while apathy, poor concentration and memory loss are
also symptoms of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases.
Those caring for an elderly individual should:
- Be
aware of the seniors medical and emotional history.
- Know
side effects of medications and illnesses.
- Be
in close contact with the individuals family members or
friends.
- Listen to the seniors feelings and complaints
- Remember that signs of depression may temporarily disappear when
the individual is with family or friends, but can reoccur later,
especially when alone.
- Take
seriously any talk or mention of death or suicide.
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