Contributing factors include the loss of a spouse or close friends, chronic pain and illness, difficulty with mobility, frustration with memory loss , difficulty adapting to changing circumstances such as moving from a home to a retirement facility, or changes within the family. Depression can also be a sign of a medical problem. It may be complicated by brain disorders associated with the aging process such as Alzheimer's disease or organic brain syndrome . Risk factors are related to contributing factors. Depression in the elderly is a widespread problem.
Symptoms often last for weeks to months.
Treatment Sometimes depression can be alleviated by social interventions to help with isolation or loneliness such as group outings, volunteer work for the healthy elderly, or regular visits from concerned people. Treatment of underlying medical conditions or the discontinuation of certain medications may alleviate symptoms. Antidepressant drug therapy or electroconvulsive therapy may be indicated in the severely depressed if other measures are unsuccessful. Neuroleptic medications may help treat agitation but in some individuals they make symptoms worse. Antidepressants must be carefully monitored for side effects in the elderly.