|
|
 |
There are numerous concerns when it comes to
the aging process. Two of the most common are depression in the elderly
and memory disorders including Alzheimer's.
Depression
Depression in older adults can result from biological and/or psychological
changes, genetics, and environmental factors such as medication side
effects, and the loss of friends, spouse, or children. Depression is a
major risk factor for suicide. Older adults have a suicide rate 5 1/2
times the national average. Depression can also exacerbate other illnesses
such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis. Depression can
lead to self neglect, medication mismanagement, and high risk behaviors.
Depression in older persons usually is manifested by loss of pleasure,
irritability, social withdrawal, hypochondriasis, tearfulness, insomnia,
loss of appetite, and lack of energy. It can often be difficult to
diagnose an elderly patient with depression when other physical ailments
exist, which are being treated with a variety of medications.
In many cases depression is treatable. Psychotherapy, medication, and
continual support from family members and caring caregivers is important
in the successful treatment of depression.
Alzheimer's disease:
Dementia is not an illness but a group of symptoms that may accompany a
variety of diseases or physical conditions. Over 50 diseases and
conditions are thought to contribute to dementia. Some of the most common
are Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, strokes, Huntington's
disease, Pick's disease, and even depression.
Alzheimer's disease produces more dementia than any other disease
throughout life. It is the most common of the dementing diseases,
affecting approximately 4 million people in the United States and between
4% to 10% of the elderly population and the 19 million family members who
care for them. 60,000 residents of Palm Beach County have been diagnosed
with Alzheimer's disease. The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease results
from a variety of symptoms, but only post-death examination of the brain
can give a positive diagnosis. It is a progressive disease, the course of
which can range from 3 to 20 years.
People with Alzheimer's suffer from a gradual memory loss, impaired
judgment, changes in personality, loss of language and communication
skills, disorientation in time and place, cognitive impairment, and
difficulty performing routine tasks. Initial stages may be characterized
by depression, poor judgment, and paranoia. Final stages may include
weight loss, incontinence, loss of communication skills, and difficulty
swallowing.
An early diagnosis of dementia is important because it may maximize the
quality of life, resolve anxiety, give a greater chance of benefiting from
existing treatments, and give more time to make appropriate realistic
plans.
Alzheimer's disease causes changes in a person's thinking and behavior.
There are several FDA-approved drugs as well as alternative therapies that
may help alleviate some of these changes. The first step towards help is a
professional evaluation by a qualified professional.
10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
- Memory loss (short or long term)
- Difficulty performing familiar tasks
- Problems with language
- Disorientation to time and place
- Poor or decreased judgment
- Problems with abstract or logical
thinking
- Changes in mood or behavior
- Misplacing things
- Changes in personality
- Loss of initiative
It is common for most anyone to
experience the above symptoms from time to time, especially when under
stress. However, someone with Alzheimer's experiences these symptoms to an
extreme, and they progressively get worse. If you recognize these symptoms
in yourself or a loved one, it is recommended to consult with a physician. |
