It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with a strong network of friends and family members you can turn to when you need someone to talk to. Check local organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center, to get information on Alzheimer’s support groups in Boca Raton. And don’t forget to talk with your healthcare provider or family physician if you have questions about depression, dementia or Alzheimer’s care in Boca Raton.

If you or a loved one are showing signs of depression, help is just a phone call, or mouse click away. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The World Health Organization’s website has many great resources, facts and information on depression.

Recognizing Depression in the Elderly in Boca Raton

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) “at least 350 million people live with depression, and it is the leading cause of disease worldwide.” Another interesting fact from WHO is that by 2020, depression will be the second biggest health problem, second only to heart disease.

Depression affects many people, and although it can arise at any age, from young children to older adults, depression typically begins in the late 20s. Depression crosses all races, ethnicities, and gender, but twice as many women get diagnosed with depression compared to men. This is probably due to the fact that women are more likely to seek treatment for depression.

Depression in the Elderly in Boca Raton

Are you taking care of a person with Alzheimer’s or dementia and looking for help with elder care in Boca Raton? Depression is a common problem many caregivers have to deal with. The World Health Organization says that the most common neuropsychiatric disorders in the 60 and over age group are depression and dementia.

People with depression are often reluctant or embarrassed to ask for help. Common methods used to treat depression include counseling, psychotherapy and antidepressants. All forms of depression can be improved with simple lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a healthy diet and participation in social activities and favorite hobbies.

Depression in the elderly can manifest as a result of certain events or sudden changes. The National Institute of Health mentions that “in older adults, life changes can increase the risk for depression or make existing depression worse.” Traumatic events; such a moving to a retirement facility, chronic illness, death of a loved one or a loss of independence, can all trigger an episode of depression.

Top Signs of Depression

What are some of the signs and symptoms caregivers should look for? Some of the top warning signals of depression include:

• Lack of interest or enjoyment in regular activities, family or work
• Neglect of personal care and hygiene
• Constantly feeling tired and exhausted
• Low self-esteem and feeling worthless
• Changing or irregular sleeping patterns
• Spending lots of time thinking about things that have gone wrong
• Trouble focusing, concentrating and difficulty making decisions
• Crying spells for no clear reason
• Constant feelings of sadness and irritability or mood changes
• Feeling hopeless
• Thoughts of suicide or suicidal behavior
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
• Loss of interest in sex
• Unexplained physical problems, including stomach aches or headaches
• Reluctance to leave home

Reach Out for Help and Support

It’s important to keep the lines of communication open with a strong network of friends and family members you can turn to when you need someone to talk to. Check local organizations, such as the Alzheimer’s Care Resource Center, to get information on Alzheimer’s support groups in Boca Raton. And don’t forget to talk with your healthcare provider or family physician if you have questions about depression, Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.

If you or a loved one are showing signs of depression in Boca Raton, Florida, help is just a phone call, or mouse click away. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 1-800-273-8255, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The World Health Organization’s website has many great resources, facts and information on depression.