Depression in Seniors

Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and vitamin D deficiency can have damaging effects on older adults’ physical and mental health. Learn about the signs of these conditions and their treatments to ensure your loved one has a happy and healthy winter.

Depression is not uncommon among the elderly. However, research suggests that this psychological disorder may increase the likelihood that an older woman will have a stroke.

For many seniors, moving to a nursing home can lead to depression. Family caregivers can help their loved ones integrate into their new environment by using a few simple strategies to keep their spirits up during the transition to senior housing.

Many individuals who have been diagnosed with diabetes simultaneously grapple with depression. For many, proper management of their mental health is key to the proper management of their physical disease.

If you think your elderly parent is depressed, don't ignore the problem. Here are some ways family and friends can help a depressed person.

Depressed, anxious elders are often reluctant to leave their comfort zone, but most doctors won't do an in-home evaluation.

Elderly people who are depressed have lost purpose in their lives, become mean and often lash out at others. When anyone expresses their desire to die, it is important to not take this comment lightly.

Irritability and loss of interest in activities a person used to enjoy are two symptoms of depression, but there could be other causes for these two problems.

Does pain cause depression, or does depression cause pain? Many research studies have been conducted to analyze the connection.

Absolutely! Better yet, make an appointment and take your mom to the doctor, so you can discuss this in-depth with the doctor, because unless you have a durable power of attorney, they will not be able to discuss your mother's health with you over the phone.

The risk of depression in the elderly increases with other illnesses and when ability to function becomes limited. Improving detection and treatment of depression is an important step in reducing suicide risk among older adults.

It’s supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, but holiday depression in the elderly (and family caregivers) is common for many reasons. Learn how to prevent and minimize the effects of yuletide blues.

Behavioral disturbances are common in dementia patients, however, dementia can still occur without any behavioral disturbances at all.

Depression, nutritional deficiencies, and side effects from medications are among many reversible conditions that could be mistaken for dementia.

Dementia is more common in women due to risk factors like longer life expectancy, hormones, depressive conditions, and caregiving.

Family caregivers share their best self-care tips, pieces of wisdom and words of encouragement for peers who are caring for aging loved ones (and themselves) while coping with the coronavirus pandemic.

A good night’s sleep can be elusive for those with multiple sclerosis. Try these solutions for reducing trips to the bathroom at night, relieving spasticity and achieving the perfect bedroom temperature for quality rest.

We all want to feel useful and have some sense of purpose. These desires do not change as we age, but waning abilities leave few options for our elderly loved ones to feel fulfilled.

A dementia patient shares his struggles with maintaining a positive attitude and identifies with caregivers who witness this devastating effects of this disease.

Fall and winter can bring on unexplained fatigue and irritability in both caregivers and seniors. Bright light therapy is a drug-free treatment that helps regulate sleep/wake cycles, stabilize mood and minimize the symptoms of sundowning.