So can a poor diet, often a problem when elderly people live alone. Depression may also be hard to diagnose in this group because older people rarely admit to feeling depressed. Instead, they often blame depressive symptoms on a physical ailment. Careful observation by an informed professional is often the only way to recognise a depressed older person. To distinguish depression from dementia, like Alzheimer's, doctors may question the person's family and friends about the symptoms the person shows.
Most depressions start more quickly than dementia, which is a slower and more gradual process.
People with dementia will often play down their loss of mental functions, such as memory, while depressed people will exaggerate the loss. After the age of 65, the gender gap in depression narrows as more men become depressed. Many men were raised to view productive work as a prime source of self-worth. Others developed few interests and skills outside the workplace. In retirement, they may feel lost without work as an outlet for their energy.