Depression is one of the most common reasons for patients to visit a family doctor. It’s been estimated as many as thirty percent of all patients visiting a primary care medical office are either depressed or  are have unevaluated symptoms of depression. This is particularly true in the elderly as they tend to have multiple reasons for being depressed, such as:

·        Loss of job and financial independence

·        Death of a spouse or close loved one

·        Multiple illnesses that limit the ability to “get around” (arthritis, COPD, Asthma, heart disease)

·        Progressive loss of memory as a result of normal aging or from early Alzheimer’s Disease

·        Use of multiple medications, some which might cause depression as a side-effect

·        Having to be placed in assisted living or a nursing home

·        Suffering multiple hospitalizations and near-death experiences

·        Suffering a hip fracture, a major cause of loss of the ability to walk and self-care in this age group

Of course, any of us at any age could suffer from depression for the very same reasons, but the elderly and particularly those over age 70 seem to be the most affected. Unfortunately, many persons over age 70 don’t realize they are depressed or go undiagnosed because their symptoms are blamed on their physical illnesses.

What can be done to prevent depression?

Surprising, a Japanese study reported in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed elderly persons living in assisted community housing who consumed four cups or more of green tea had fewer symptoms of depression when compared to those who drank one or fewer cups per day. The study assessed elderly Japanese 70 years or greater using well-known geriatric depression scales to evaluate for symptoms of depression.

The study did not take into account other factors which might have contributed to depressive symptoms such as family problems, physical illnesses and pre-existing other psychiatric disorders. It was simply designed to evaluate the effect of green tea on the prevalence of depressive symptoms in senior.

While it would be unfeasible to try to directly correlate the findings of this study and apply the results to all age groups, I prefer to keep an open mind and believe it’s probably safe to assume that green tea may provide a similar benefit to all who are prone to depression.

What else can be done to prevent or help depression in the elderly?

·        Help them remain as independent as possible

·        Provide canes, walkers and other appliances as needed for safe walking to avoid falls

·        Make their living environment as accident-free as possible (No loose rugs, install hand-rail in hallways and bathrooms, move kitchen and bathroom items to within easy reach)

·        Encourage and actively promote their social life both in and out of the home

·        Engage them in cross-word puzzles, word search, checkers, chess and reading the newspaper to keep their mind active and sharp

·        Be sure their physical illnesses are treated promptly and adequately (untreated-unrelieved pain is a common cause of depression)

·        Give them meaning in life and a reason to live as normal a life as possible (The elderly are a virtual storehouse of knowledge. We’ll discuss ways to achieve this goal in a future newsletter!)

Sometimes, it’s as difficult to spot depression in a 70 year-old as it is in a five-year-old. However, by investing just a little time every week asking your senior a few simple questions and looking for the signs of depression, you can either prevent depression altogether or at least minimize its effects on your loved one.

In the next three weeks, you’ll receive newsletters on spotting depression in the elderly and more detailed suggestions for treatment and prevention.

Dr. Frank

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