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

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

Physical conditions like stroke, hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, cancer, dementia, and chronic pain further increase the risk of depression. Additionally, these risk factors for depression are often seen in older adults: Certain medicines or combination of medicines.

Why is depression overlooked in older adults?

Symptoms are often overlooked and untreated because they co-occur with other problems encountered by older adults. Older people with depressive symptoms have poorer functioning compared to those with chronic medical conditions such as lung disease, hypertension or diabetes.

What is the relationship between aging and depression?

There is evidence that some natural body changes associated with aging may increase a person’s risk of experiencing depression. Recent studies suggest that lower concentrations of folate in the blood and nervous system may contribute to depression, mental impairment, and dementia.

How do you assess depression in older adults?

Older adults can be screened for depression using an instrument such as the PHQ-2, PHQ-9, Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, or Geriatric Depression Scale.

What is the nature of depression in older adults?

Depressed older adults may not feel “sad” 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 depression in the elderly.

How many older adults suffer from depression?

The good news is that the majority of older adults are not depressed. Some estimates of major depression in older people living in the community range from less than 1% to about 5% but rise to 13.5% in those who require home healthcare and to 11.5% in older hospitalized patients.

Why is mental health important for older adults?

It affects how we think, feel, and act as we cope with life. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, including as we age. Many older adults are at risk for mental health problems.

How does depression affect different age groups?

A higher percentage of adults aged 45–64 experienced moderate symptoms of depression compared with those aged 30–44 and 65 and over. Adults aged 18–29 were as likely to experience moderate symptoms of depression as those aged 45–64, but the observed differences with the other age groups were not significant.

Is depression in older adults treatable?

The good news is that, in most cases, depression is treatable in older adults. The right treatment may help improve your overall health and quality of life.

Why is depression difficult to diagnose in older adults quizlet?

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.

Are Older adults at higher risk for depression?

Depression is a true and treatable medical condition, not a normal part of aging. However older adults are at an increased risk for experiencing depression. If you are concerned about a loved one, offer to go with him or her to see a health care provider to be diagnosed and treated.