Industry Articles
Industry Articles Home > Improving Quality of life for Seniors News
|
Certain seniors at risk of suffering from depression, research says 2009-12-18 A new study from the University of Rochester shows that seniors with low-level depressive symptoms are at risk of developing major depression. People "who perceive that they have poor quality social support from other people, and with a past history of depression, were at particularly high risk," Dr. Jeffrey M. Lyness said. Lyness and other researchers published their study in the December issue of The American Journal of Psychiatry. One of the researchers, Dr. Warren D. Taylor of Duke University, noted the "psychological suffering" and "deleterious [medical] effects" that depression patients undergo. Early detection of depressive symptoms was "critical" in improving patients' quality of life, the researchers suggested. Depression among seniors is an especially salient issue during the winter months, the Society of Certified Senior Advisers said in its latest newsletter. Seasonal affective disorder, a depressive disorder that affects millions of people, is likely caused by a seasonal lack of exposure to sunlight. Light therapy has been proven effective at fighting SAD; regular exercise, sufficient sleep and a healthy diet can improve mood, too. SAD, and other forms of depression, are eminently treatable, but seniors' caregivers must be on the lookout for depressive behavior, the SCSA newsletter said.  |
