Depression in the Elderly - Mental Health Disorders

Depression in the Elderly

Cerebral circulation gradually declines as people get older, which can cause symptoms of depression and mental confusion in the elderly. This is often complicated by the fact that elderly people tend to exercise less and may not be able to maintain a healthy diet of natural, unprocessed foods. As a result, they become more susceptible to the adverse psychological side effects of any medications they may be taking for such conditions as high blood pressure, cancer, or arthritis. Their low moods of depression are sometimes misdiagnosed as Alzheimer's disease or senility and, as a result, appropriate therapy is not sought or provided. For older adults who feel depressed (and for people who have older relatives who are acting depressed), it is advisable to consult a doctor who may want to reevaluate the medications they may be taking.