Seniors Especially Prone To Holiday Blues

With the holiday season coming quickly upon us, many of us see changes in a loved one’s mood as the holidays approach. Relatives who live a distance away may notice these changes even more.

The National Institutes of Health estimates that 20% of those 65 or over (about 7 million people) suffer from some form of depression, with up to 2 million suffering from full-blown depression.

Because symptoms are often confused with medical illnesses, dementia or malnutrition, depression in the elderly frequently goes untreated, and can be difficult to diagnose. Also, many seniors simply can’t accept the idea they are depressed, and thus refuse to seek treatment.

Identifying The Causes
Holidays often bring back memories of earlier, perhaps happier times for seniors, that may have included a lost spouse or close friend. Moves from home to assisted living, or changes in routine can also be contributing factors, as they look back at holidays past.

But depression can also signal medical problems. Complications of illness, memory loss, chronic pain, or improper nutrition can all contribute.

Symptoms to watch for can include:

• Depressed, irritable mood
• Expressions of helplessness
• Feelings of sadness or worthlessness
• Anxiety
• Diminished interest in daily activities
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue
• Lack of attention to hygiene and personal care
• Difficulty concentrating
• Obsessing about dying
• Discussion of suicide

Differences Between Depression & Dementia
While both depression and dementia share similar symptoms, there are significant differences:

Depression can cause rapid mental decline, but memory of times, dates, and environmental awareness continues. Motor skills may be slow, but normal. Those suffering from depression may also be concerned about concentrating, and worry about memory impairment.
By contrast, dementia causes a slow mental decline, combined with confusion and lack of recognition of familiar locations. Speaking, writing and motor skills become impaired, and the individual with dementia may deny having a problem with memory loss.

Whether dementia or depression, a visit to a physician and a physical exam can identify if there is a medical cause, and help develop a plan for prompt treatment.

Treatment of Depression in Seniors
After identifying the cause of depression, treatment may be as simple as relieving loneliness through companionship, activities and outings. Severe cases of depression can be treated effectively with antidepressant drugs and/or cognitive therapy.

Because a senior may deny problems or have a fear of being mentally ill, it’s important to get involved and make the difference in removing the Holiday Blues. Geriatric Care Management services and In-Home Care services can also help. You can contact ComForcare for both services, at 760-724-7273.