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Depression and Illness
Q1 – Can illnesses cause depression?
A1 – Seniors suffering from long-term health ailments may find themselves becoming depressed as a result of their situation, and when left untreated it can result in the development of further illnesses.
Q2 – What causes depression in seniors?
A2 – While it’s impossible to state exactly what causes depression, there are a few factors which can contribute to its onset in seniors. They may struggle with the loss of friends and family that have passed away, may have a hard time facing the reality of getting older, and may be coping with their own declining home health and lifestyle.
Q3 – Can depression cause health problems?
A3 – A number of recent studies relating to home health have demonstrated a direct correlation between chronic illnesses like heart disease, diabetes and cancer.
Q4 – How is heart disease related to depression?
A4 – According to a John Hopkins study, those who are depressed are four times more likely to have a heart attack within fourteen years. A Montreal Heart Institute Study also shows that those with heart disease who are depressed are more likely to die within four to six months.
Q5 – Can illnesses cause depression?
A5 – In the case of diabetes, 84% reported a higher number of depressive episodes; while 88% of those depressed were more likely to develop cancer.
Q6 – How can depression be detected?
A6 – Seniors who are depressed may have trouble concentrating, making decisions and have feelings of guilt, hopelessness and worthlessness. They may also feel increasingly irritable, have changes in eating habits which can result in weight gain or loss, and experience changes in sleeping patterns. If you are a senior experiencing some of these symptoms, or know someone who is, a medical professional should be contacted to rule out medical conditions that could be causing these issues and provide appropriate treatment methods.
Sources: http://www.mcmanweb.com/perfect_storm.html
http://seniorhealth.about.com/cs/mentalhealth/a/depression_2.htm
http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/detecting-depression
Tags: home health, manhattan, new york city
