Symptoms such as confusion, agitation, and fatigue are also common, and in many cases are attributed to dementia. If untreated, depression in the elderly can lead to suicide. In fact, the suicide rate among the elderly is the highest of the general population. Depression is often overlooked in the older population because it is masked by numerous other physical problems. Its symptoms depressed mood, sleeplessness, decreased appetite, lack of interest in anything, and lack of energy are incorrectly attributed to the normal aging process.
Exercise can improve sleep patterns, which are known to have an aggravating effect on depression.
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