Essay On Depression In Older Adults

As we age and become older we change physically and mentally. Delirium, Depression, and Dementia are some of the most common psychological diagnoses in older people today.
This will affect the health of the person and others will affect the quality of life that the person will have. Older adult tends to be more affected than younger adults. Depression is a common mental disorder, characterized by sadness, loss of interest or pleasure, having the feelings of guilt or low self-worth, having disturbed sleep or appetite, or feelings of tiredness, and having poor concentration. Fear of falling is also a commonly reported specific phobia in older adults that can develop in adulthood (Wolitzky-Taylor et al., 2010; Mohlman et al., 2012). Depression

Depression could be caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain that medication can correct. It is suggested that depression among older adults can be detected early if family members, and other people within the community recognize the warning signs. People experiencing depression are often sad and sometimes are having crying spells. They often are restless and have difficulty times sleeping. They feel fatigued and irritable and often have feelings of shame or worthlessness. Sometimes when older adults feel bored or lose interest in activities that they once enjoyed. When experiencing depression, they often have a hard time concentrating and making their own decisions. People who has problems with dementia may also be at risk of mal-nutrition. People with dementia rely on others to help them to organize their day to day life such as preparing their meals. People with dementia are at risk of mal-nutrition because they may not be physically able to provide themselves with a balanced diet, there may also be the issue that they are not able to remember whether they have eaten and therefore decide not to make themselves. Dementia is a progressive diagnosis that can take place over months or years.