Depression in older adults can have some serious consequences.

For many people their first bout with depression begins in later life. They may deny or minimize the depressed feelings, but still display the symptoms of depression such as changes in the way they think, developing physical problems, or lose interest in previous interests and activities. Sleep issues or insomnia can also be a marker.

People with late-life depression may complain of fatigue, slow thinking, slower physical movements, express loss of interest in living, and voice hopelessness about their future. Complaints about difficulty concentrating and memory issues are not unusual in depressed older adults.

Depression in older people can contribute to declining health, problematic cognitive functioning, impaired social functioning, self-neglect, and even suicide.

A typical path to developing depression in older people is lessening, reducing, or simply stopping their daily activities. That leaves him or her with nothing to feel good about. There is no reason to get up, get dressed, or leave the house. If a person already has low self-esteem, has a poor concept, and is self-critical, that can trigger and maintain depression.

If a person has had a traumatic experience or some stressful life events, he or she may develop depression later in life. These events may include the death of a loved one, severe health issues in a spouse or family member, financial problems, social conflicts/arguments, or having to leave their home. Research has shown that the death of a loved one triples the risk of depression.

Retirement is another factor that can trigger depressed feelings. It is not surprising that events in the distant past can increase the risk. It has been found that men have a higher probability of developing depression following the death of their wife, and they can maintain the depression longer than women in the same position.

Being the caregiver for a disabled or sick spouse or family member is a risk for developing late-life depression. The more that the caregiver is unable to continue his or her normal routines and activities, the greater the level of depression. The greater the demands on the caregiver, the greater the stress. The longer the duration, the more likely that depression will develop. Without adequate support, the caregiver is in a very difficult position.

Researchers also reportedly have found that older depressed people may actually have vascular problems. This involves impaired blood flow in the blood vessels. If this problem is developing in the brain, depression can be a consequence. Impaired cognition (thinking ) can ultimately develop into difficulty regulating his or her mood, and even developing dementia.

Obviously, medical assessment and intervention must be done.

Psychologists have a variety of tools to address late-life depression. Cognitive, behavioral, and psychological therapies can be effective interventions for older people suffering from depression. Either way, a medical evaluation is very important and should be done as soon as possible. When medical problems are ruled out, then the psychological triggers can be addressed.

— Dr. Joseph Switras provides clinical psychological services at United Health District in Fairmont to people age 5 and up.