According to the United Health Foundation, professionals diagnosed about 15.5% of adults aged 65 and older with some form of depression. That number has held steady between the years of 2011 and 2022, only slightly increasing over that time.
What most people underestimate about depression is the effect it can have on a person’s cognitive health. Many seniors have shown signs of cognitive decline in conjunction with depressive symptoms.
Here’s what you need to know about the connection between memory and depression.
Senior Mental Health Struggles
Older adults face many of the same mental health problems as younger adults. These include ongoing ones like bipolar disorder or PTSD.
Depression and anxiety are two of the most common that can worsen due to continuous conditions such as living alone or coping with a disease. However, seniors who live alone often avoid seeking professional help such as a psychiatrist or therapist.
Studies have shown that depression can lead to disruptions in working memory and executive functioning. Seniors cannot afford to suffer from cognitive decline, as it can impair their ability to recall past events or concentrate. It’s especially harmful for those in the early stages of dementia.
Seniors can develop depression due to several factors. These factors include:
- Living alone
- Coping with a disease
- Financial trouble
- Relationship issues
- Loss of mobility
- Malnutrition
The Role of Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is a significant contributor to depression. It exacerbates memory problems by increasing levels of cortisol, which is the body’s primary stress hormone. Too much cortisol can shrink parts of the hippocampus and impair your memory.
The stress response’s role is to protect the human body, but sustained stress can damage it. You can counter stress by finding ways to relax and confiding in the people close to you. That’s why it’s so important for seniors not to live alone and isolated.
Common Depression Symptoms
When most people think of depression, they envision someone sad or lethargic. However, those are only two of the many symptoms a person could go through when depressed.
To begin with, that sadness can take the form of anxiety or feeling “empty”. They may lose all interest in activities they used to enjoy. A depressed individual can also have changes in sleep patterns such as sleeping too much or not enough.
Severe depression can make it difficult for a person to concentrate or make decisions. They may have appetite and weight changes. On the far end, a depressed person may have suicidal ideation and even act on those thoughts.
It’s important to keep in mind that depression isn’t a straight line. A person with depression may only present one or two of these symptoms at a time. They may have days or even weeks where they act normal or with enthusiasm.
Diagnosing depression is especially difficult with the elderly, as it can coexist with their various health conditions.
The Link Between Memory and Depression
Both memory and emotional state are intertwined with one another. A person suffering from depression can have difficulty remembering things or with critical thinking. At the same time, cognitive decline can make a person more depressed and anxious.
If a person constantly loses track of conversations, it can lead to frustration and a sense of helplessness. The same goes for a parent that has to rely on their children due to their inability to live alone.
It’s ultimately a devastating cycle, as both a person’s memory struggles and depression worsen one another. In addition, seniors often avoid seeking help due to the stigma behind cognitive decline and depression.
How to Improve Emotional Well-Being
There are many ways for adults of all ages to improve their emotional well-being and lead a healthier lifestyle.
First of all, psychological therapies such as cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT) can be highly effective at treating depression. The goal of CBT is to help individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns. In doing so, they can develop healthier coping mechanisms.
Medications are another crucial tool for managing depression. In particular, antidepressants can alleviate depressive symptoms and improve cognitive functioning.
Lifestyle modifications such as regular physical activity have been shown to improve mood and various bodily functions. Engaging in mentally stimulating activities can also improve how your brain works.
Nutrition is one area that many seniors struggle with, especially if they are unable to shop on their own or have difficulty cooking. A balanced diet rich in vitamins and antioxidants can support brain health and improve mood.
Anyone with memory issues can benefit from advances in technology like smartphone apps. Individuals can create lists, set alarms, and connect with loved ones more easily.
Memory Care Support and Intervention
Ongoing memory problems may need treatment with the help of memory care services. Communities that offer memory care are made to provide a safe and supportive environment for their residents who have memory-related conditions such as dementia.
In a memory care setting, all residents have access to trained professionals who understand their behaviors and needs. Residents have 24/7 supervision and immediate response to medical or behavioral issues.
With the staff’s support, seniors can relax and avoid stressful situations. They won’t have to worry about getting confused or feeling like a burden to their families. Their schedule will include therapeutic activities to promote better cognitive health and mood.
At the same time, their family members can rest easier knowing their loved one is safe and cared for. They can visit them every day and even schedule supervised outings.
Focus on Quality of Life
The most important takeaway for seniors is to focus on improving how they live to balance the link between memory and depression. Physical activity, good nutrition, and social interaction can improve both your mental health as well as your cognitive health. A memory care community is designed to meet the needs of its residents, regardless of their memory impairments.
TerraBella Northridge is an exclusive senior living community based out of Raleigh, NC. Our residents have access to assisted living and memory care options as well as various amenities, such as scenic walking paths and live entertainment. Contact us to learn more and to schedule a visit.
