Elderly depression can be a little bit tricky especially if you are not knowledgeable of the specific traits that are related to this condition. Nevertheless you do not need to enroll in a formal class just to recognize if your elderly mom, dad, uncle or aunt is experiencing this condition. You simply need to be a little observant and you will soon realize that the problem is indeed elderly depression.

Memory Loss
Others may confuse elderly depression with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia but you can distinguish it from these two other elderly disorders by taking into consideration the speed of deterioration of their memory. Memory loss due to elderly depression happens more rapidly in comparison with Alzheimer’s or dementia. It is not accompanied by difficulty in concentrating nor with impairment in motors skills which includes writing and speaking rather the patient experiences persistent sadness, lack of appetite, anxiety, poor concentration and ultimately suicidal thoughts.

Medical Abnormalities
Memory loss may also be accompanied by heart palpitations, mood changes and fatigue but singling these out as a contributory result of elderly depression can only be done by a certified physician. Certain laboratory tests and diagnostic exams have to be performed so you can guarantee that it is nothing more than elderly depression. At times, it may only be brought by combined medications or part of the biological cycle of life, so do not perform your own diagnosis. It is best that you leave this task to the doctors.

These are just a few tips that you may consider in identifying if the condition of one of your family members is caused by elderly depression. Nevertheless, it would also help if you can have a small talk with them so you can evaluate if they have developed reduced sense of purpose in life or fear of death or felt extreme loneliness due to isolation. Never judge them cruelly by assuming that all that they want is attention. Consider their previous lifestyle when they were still young and living life to the fullest. Put your self in their shoes so you can better understand the struggles they are experiencing.

Those who suffer from elderly depression would not want to be pitied upon by anyone, especially by their children and loved ones. As much as possible, these elders would want to show their family members that they are still as productive as before. The least that they would wish to hear from their family members are frustrations, disappointments, regrets and blame.

If you intend to provide them with happy memories even before they return to the dust then you should treat them with more care and affection. Who knows, this simple acts of charity and attention is the sole medication they need so they can cope up and soon get rid of elderly depression.