Depression in the elderly

Definition:

An emotional state marked by sadness, discouragement, and loss of self-worth that occurs in the elderly.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Detecting depression in the elderly may be complicated by several factors. Often the symptoms of depression such as fatigue, loss of appetite, and sleeping difficulties are associated with the aging process or a medical condition rather than with depression. Contributing factors include the loss of a spouse or close friends, chronic pain and illness, difficulty with mobility, frustration with memory loss, difficulty adapting to changing circumstances such as moving from a home to a retirement facility, or changes within the family. Depression can also be a sign of a medical problem. It may be complicated by brain disorders associated with the aging process such as Alzheimer's disease or organic brain syndrome. Risk factors are related to contributing factors. Depression in the elderly is a widespread problem.