Poor stress management and chronic depression can lead to a number of health problems for seniors, including cognitive decline. Poor stress management and chronic depression can lead to a number of health problems for seniors, including cognitive decline.

Published: Tuesday, March 21, 2017 byInterim HealthCare

Depressionand poor stress management can be serious issues for seniors. Though it's not uncommon for adults to develop depression as they grow older, this is not part of a normal aging process. Thiscan negatively impact a number of health conditions, and leaving it untreated can lead to cognitive decline, according to new research.

The negative effects depression has on health Complications of depressive disorders are not limited to emotional and mental strife - they can also cause physical ailments and exacerbate certainhealth conditions. Everyday Health reported that people with depression may experiencemigraines, joint pain, digestive difficulties and muscle aches. Studies have also linked depression to heart disease.

Patients may also gain weight or struggle with insomnia, which can negatively impact a wide range of health problems.

"Poor stress responses may worsen seniors' depression."

How stress and depression impair cognition According to a study from the University of Connecticut Health Center, poor stress responses mayworsen seniors' depression. The researchers found that these conditions can lead to future cognitive decline.

"There's something about vulnerability to stress, or neuroticism in general, and depression that is associated with a worse outcome," saidKevin Manning,assistant professor of psychiatry at UConnand the study's lead author.

Seniors who typically respond to stress with anxiety or irritability were more likely to experience these negative effects. Helping seniors develop more positive stress responses and treating their depression early on may help prevent cognitive problems from developing.

Treating stress and depression Therapeutic intervention is often necessary for seniors to overcome these type of conditions. Some patients will also benefit from taking prescribed medications that can ease depression and anxiety. A good therapist or counselor can help seniors develop better methods for handling stress and can get to the root cause of their depression, as well as supplying at-home treatments so seniors can better cope with their condition.

A healthy diet and exercise can also improve depressive symptoms. Light to moderate exercise can boost endorphins and other feel-good chemicals in the brain. The vitamins and nutrients of healthy foods can also assist in regulating hormones and neurotransmissions.

In fact, a new study from the University of Sydney found that people who ate three to four servings of vegetables every day were12 percent less likely to develop depressionthan those who ate zero to one servings a day. Vegetable consumption was especially beneficial for women in preventing depression.

Causes of depression for the elderly Persistentdepressive disorder can be brought on in a number of ways. Defective mood regulators, hormone orchemical imbalancesand traumatic life events can all cause depression todevelop, according to the Mayo Clinic.

For seniors, there are a number of common contributors that can lead to chronic depression. Older adults may be more socially isolated and lonely than they were in their youth. Limited mobility, friends moving away for retirement or the death of loved ones can limit seniors' social circles. For seniors who may already have other factors that predispose depression development, this boredom and loneliness can exacerbate the condition.

The passing of friends, spouses and family members in the first place can be traumatic events that trigger depression.Living with a chronic diseaseor other age-relatedmedical ailment can also be traumatic for seniors, and complications of those conditions can lower their qualities of life to the point that a depressive disorder develops, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Recognizing the signs While most people think of depression as just a feeling of sadness, there are many different symptoms. The signs may be subtle for some seniors, and the condition doesn't always manifest the same way for all patients. As a result, many people with depression are unaware they have it.

For some,the conditionis marked by pervasive lethargy, no matter how much rest they get or what they try to do to boost their energy. Symptoms may also include difficulty concentrating, irritability, changes in appetite and feelings of guilt or helplessness. People with depression often find a hard time enjoying hobbies and activities they once loved as well.

Seniors who think they are experiencing signs of depression, or care givers who believe their old loved one is, should consult their physician. Their doctor can provide referrals to reputable counselors and psychiatrists who can develop the right treatment plan to get seniors back to better mental and physical well being.

The rest is here:
Treating stress and depression to improve seniors' cognition - KRDO

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