Relieving Depression in the Elderly
As our population ages and the numbers of elderly increases so will the amount of people affected with depression. Depression is bad with any age group, but it is extremely alarming- in the elderly considering that they are much more subject to suicide and death. In people between the ages of 80 to 84 the risk of suicide nearly doubles. Depression also increases their risk of heart disease and other diseases.
But there is hope, recently Insight Journal published an article on one way to reduce depression with this group.
But there is a ray of hope for those treating depression in the elderly. One possible contributing factor for increased risk of depression in the elderly is the loss of social support, and a recent study showed that providing depressed, elderly patients with social support programs may decrease the incidence of depression.
Researchers at the Center for Complimentary and Alternative Medicine, Weil Cornell Medical College, investigated whether social service interventions and social support could have an effect on depressive symptoms. Fifty-six homebound clients averaging 82 years of age were used in the study and assessed for depression, quality of life, and functional autonomy.
At the beginning of the study, 33 percent of the patients displayed depressive symptoms. At six-month follow-up, the number displaying depressive symptoms decreased. Eleven percent improved on the Functional Autonomy Scale, and an amazing 63 percent showed an improvement of quality of life. The researchers concluded that depressive symptoms had an effect on quality of life and functional autonomy, but the patients with more social support showed improvement across the board.
So many times seniors are neglected. People go about their daily routines and don’t seem to find the time. Small steps like just checking in on or even just calling an elderly next door neighbor can make such a difference in their lives.
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on Friday, May 30th, 2008 at 5:19 am and is filed under Depression |
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