Depression is an insidious problem for anyone, but in the elderly it is often overlooked. It is not to be considered a normal part of growing older, but addressed as a medical condition that responds very well to treatment. Since many people don’t recognize or report the problem, and fear stigma for being weak and unable to “snap out of it”, they suffer needlessly and in silence. What looks like irritability and withdrawal can be a clear signal of depression. Other symptoms include loss of interest in usual activities, a loss of pleasure, poor appetite and weight loss, pervasive feelings of sadness, tearfulness, memory impairment, increased pain complaints, anger, and sleep disturbance such as early morning awakening and insomnia. Increased anxiety and thoughts of suicide must be addressed. Statistically, Caucasian men in the 70-80 age group make up the highest rate of successful suicide since they tend to have access to lethal means such as guns. The good news is that depression is absolutely treatable, and medications are safe, not addictive. The most important thing a loved one can do is insist on a visit and discussion with the primary care doctor. The MD can begin medication and also refer to a geriatric specialist. Talk therapy can speed the recovery in conjunction with medication. There is no reason to assume it is a normal or unavoidable part of aging. Treatment of depression can improve quality of life and restore meaning and purpose to living in a senior community because it allows the individual to interact and enjoy his or her peers, and to accept care and support from staff, which hastens adjustment to the change from home to assisted care. Family members are able to feel comfortable with the move and have less guilt as well. Depression is a serious illness, but imminently treatable. Life in later years should be as comfortable as possible and addressing this illness helps not only the elder but family and caregivers as well.
This is the final part of an eight part series on common myths of Alzheimer's Disease. These myths were originally provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Senior Solutions has memory care services available at three of our locations and we are committed to being an active part of the Alzheimer's community. We look forward to your feedback on this series.
Myth 8: There are treatments available to stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: At this time, there is no treatment to cure, delay or stop the progression of Alzheimer's disease. FDA-approved drugs temporarily slow worsening of symptoms for about 6 to 12 months, on average, for about half of the individuals who take them.
This is the seventh of an eight part series on common myths of Alzheimer's Disease. These myths were originally provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Senior Solutions has memory care services available at three of our locations and we are committed to being an active part of the Alzheimer's community. We look forward to your feedback on this series.
Myth 7: Silver dental fillings increase risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: According to the best available scientific evidence, there is no relationship between silver dental fillings and Alzheimer's. The concern that there could be a link arose because "silver" fillings are made of an amalgam (mixture) that typically contains about 50 percent mercury, 35 percent silver and 15 percent tin. Mercury is a heavy metal that, in certain forms, is know to be toxic to the brain and other organs.
Many scientists consider the studies below compelling evidence that dental amalgam is not a major risk factor for Alzheimer's. Public health agencies, including the FDA, the U.S. Public Health Service and the World Health Organization, endorse the continued use of amalgam as safe, strong, inexpensive material for dental restorations.
This is the sixth of an eight part series on common myths of Alzheimer's Disease. These myths were originally provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Senior Solutions has memory care services available at three of our locations and we are committed to being an active part of the Alzheimer's community. We look forward to your feedback on this series.
Myth 6: Flu shots increase risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: A theory linking flu shots to a greatly increased risk of Alzheimer's disease has been proposed by a U.S. doctor whose license was suspended by the South Carolina Board of Medical Examiners. Several mainstream studies link flu shots and other vaccinations to a reduced risk of Alzheimer's disease and overall better health.
This is the fourth of an eight part series on common myths of Alzheimer's Disease. These myths were originally provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Senior Solutions has memory care services available at three of our locations and we are committed to being an active part of the Alzheimer's community. We look forward to your feedback on this series.
Myth 4: Drinking out of aluminum cans or cooking in aluminum pots and pans can lead to Alzheimer's disease.
Reality: During the 1960s and 1970s, aluminum emerged as a possible suspect in Alzheimer's. This suspicion led to concern about exposure to aluminum through everyday sources such as pots and pans, beverage cans, antacids and antiperspirants. Since then, studies have failed to confirm any role for aluminum in causing Alzheimer's. Experts today focus on other areas of research, and few believe that everyday sources of aluminum pose any threat.
This is the second of an eight part series on common myths of Alzheimer's Disease. These myths were originally provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Senior Solutions has memory care services available at three of our locations and we are committed to being an active part of the Alzheimer's community. We look forward to your feedback on this series.
Myth 2: Alzheimer's disease is not fatal.
Reality: Alzheimer's disease has no survivors. It destroys brain cells and causes memory changes, erratic behaviors and loss of body functions. It slowly and painfully takes away a person's identity, ability to connect with others, think, eat, talk, walk and find his or her way home.
This is the first of an eight part series on common myths of Alzheimer's Disease. These myths were originally provided by the Alzheimer's Association. Senior Solutions has memory care services available at three of our locations and we are committed to being an active part of the Alzheimer's community. We look forward to your feedback on this series.
Myth
1: Memory loss is a natural part of aging.
Reality:
In the past people believed memory loss was a normal part of aging,
often regarding even Alzheimer’s as natural age-related decline. Experts
now recognize severe memory loss as a symptom of serious illness.
Whether
memory naturally declines to some extent remains an open question. Many
people feel that their memory becomes less sharp as they grow older,
but determining whether there is any scientific basis for this belief
is a research challenge still being addressed.