Aging and Mental Health

HealthWatch for February 2008
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As loved ones age, concerns about their mental health often increase. Caregivers of elderly relatives can be overwhelmed with the challenge of discerning normal signs of aging from symptoms of mental illness.

Forgetfulness and Alzheimer’s Disease

People often joke about having “senior” moments when forgetting small details. A certain degree of memory loss is normal for seniors – forgetting where they put car keys or gloves, failing to remember the name of a casual acquaintance they rarely see. Forgetfulness that disrupts everyday life, however – forgetting the function of a common object or how to play cards - can be a reason for concern. Try and discern if the incident is isolated or part of a pattern. If other close friends and family members begin to notice these episodes, further examination is a good idea.

Take into account the personality of your loved one; if they have been scatterbrained and absent-minded all of their lives, this behavior will continue as they age. However, any noticeable changes in behavior could be a sign of Alzheimer’s onset.

Most of us do forget things due to the hectic pace of life . . . but we remember them later. Complete loss of a memory can indicate a problem. Another symptom of Alzheimer’s could be decreased proficiency in day-to-day activities: for example, if someone who always handled family finances suddenly has trouble paying a utility bill.

Depression

Depression is not considered part of the normal aging process, though it can be very common in seniors. Often depression symptoms in seniors are confused with effects of illnesses and medications, or dismissed as natural signs of age. Additionally, many elderly people perceive a stigma connected to mental illness and avoid seeking treatment.

One reason depression affects seniors is a growing lack of social support – retirement and the loss of siblings or a spouse are two factors that decrease social interaction and increase the risk for depression. Signs of depression can include: changes in eating or sleeping habits, indecisiveness or trouble concentrating, withdrawal from family and friends, and loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities.

Depression, once recognized, is often successfully treated. By paying attention, you can help loved ones live long, happy lives.

Sources: Cleveland Clinic, Alzheimer’s Association, U.S. Administration on Aging

Local Resources
Alzheimer’s Association: Cleveland Area Chapter
Benjamin Rose Institute
Cleveland Clinic
MetroHealth System

State Resources

Ohio Department of Aging

National Resources

U.S. Administration on Aging
Mental Health America