Symptoms of depression in the elderly are many, most notably weight changes

Depression often affects elderly people who suffer from chronic diseases and the inability to move well, and the symptoms of depression in the elderly are many, but it is not a normal part of aging. Its symptoms can mimic natural age-related problems or diseases of aging, so it is important to understand the symptoms well, and in this report we learn about the symptoms of depression in the elderly, according to psycom.

Symptoms of depression in the elderly

Symptoms of depression in older adults are varied and the primary feature of a major depressive episode is a period of at least two weeks when a person experiences a depressed mood (most of the day, nearly every day) or a loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. Common for depression in the elderly include:

Constant sadness

Feeling slowed down

Excessive concerns about financial and health problems

Frequent crying

Feeling worthless or helpless

Weight changes

Speed ​​or restlessness

Difficulty sleeping

Difficulty concentrating

Physical complaints (unexplained physical pain or digestive problems)

Withdrawal from social activities

Causes of depression in the elderly and chronic diseases

Medical problems, including chronic medical conditions, can trigger or worsen symptoms of depression in elderly patients.Any medical condition, especially painful, debilitating, or life-threatening can lead to symptoms of depression, including:

- cancer

Parkinson's disease

- brain attack

Heart disease

Lupus

- diabetic

Dementia and Alzheimer's disease

- Multiple Sclerosis

Medicines and symptoms of depression in the elderly

Some medications are associated with depression in the elderly.These medications include: cardiovascular drugs, chemotherapy, antipsychotic drugs, anti-anxiety and sedative drugs, anticonvulsants, anti-inflammatory / anti-infective agents, stimulants, hormonal drugs, and other medications.

Elderly patients who experience depressive symptoms when taking medications should inform the prescribing physician immediately.

 

The difference between the symptoms of depression in the elderly and dementia

Depression and dementia share many symptoms, which makes it difficult to distinguish between the two.

 

First: Depression and its symptoms

Rapid mental decline

Patients have difficulty concentrating

Language and motor skills are slow but normal

Memory problems and confusion

Second, dementia

Mental decline is slow

Patients get confused and may get lost, confuse dates, or wonder where they are

Patients suffer from short-term memory

Poor writing, speaking and language skills

Patients do not notice or seem to care about memory problems