~ Aging Concerns ~

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. Depression is a major risk factor for suicide in older adults, who suicide rate is 5 1/2 times the national average. Depression can also contribute to other illness such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and osteoporosis.

Depression in older persons usually is manifested by loss of pleasure, irritability, social withdrawal, hypochondriasis, insomnia, loss of appetite, and lack of energy. It can often be difficult in diagnosing an elderly patient with depression when other physical ailments exist, which are being treated with a variety of medications.

In diagnosing depression in older persons, compiling an accurate history is crucial. It is often necessary to obtain information from family members and caregivers. Attention by family members and caregivers should be made as to when symptoms began and how the aging person reacts to his usual lifestyle.

The treatment of depression in older persons depend on many factors. Psychotherapy is useful in patients with mild depression who are not taking medications, and for those with severe depression taking medication, psychotherapy can improve adherence and drop-out rates. Continual support and contact with 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, Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, Picks disease, and 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. 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.

Alzheimer's victims 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 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 plan for the future.

Alzheimer's disease cause changes in a person's cognitive and behavior abilities. There are several FDA-approved drugs as well as alternative therapies that may help alleviate some of these changes. Vitamin E supplements are frequently prescribed and have become a part of a standard treatment regimen for most people with Alzheimer's. There are many Alternative therapies that are offered for treatment of Alzheimer's. However, it is recommended to counsel with a healthcare provider about the safety of Alternative treatments.

10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's

  1. Memory loss

  2. Difficulty performing familiar tasks

  3. Problems with language

  4. Disorientation to time and place

  5. Poor or decreased judgment

  6. Problems with abstract thinking

  7. Changes in mood or behavior

  8. Misplacing things

  9. Changes in personality

  10. 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.