But it is higher in certain groups. For instance, those In nursing homes. Suffering from chronic or disabling conditions. Who are bereaved. Caring for chronically ill spouses.
Depression compromises quality of life.
It can make pain and illness worse and may even increase the risk of death in the first year after a heart attack. It may come with dementia, which can be reversed, at least for the time being, if the depression is treated. Depression also increases the risk of suicide, which is three times greater among the elderly than it is among younger people. Minor Symptoms Worrisome Geriatric experts say that minor depressive symptoms also need attention from family members and doctors. Minor symptoms are often missed because they may not fit the traditional diagnosis of clinical depression.