4 Misconceptions About Depression in the Elderly

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elderlyDepression is devastating to persons of all ages; however, it can be even especially dangerous and debilitating to older adults because of their general deterioration in health as well as complications stemming from other medical conditions. According to the “Journal of the American Geriatrics Society,” depression is one of the major causes of the decline in health-related quality of life in persons over the age of 70. It is also one of the most misunderstood conditions. Elderly depression is complex and multifaceted. It is more difficult to understand, in some regards, than depression in middle-aged persons. Here are four common misconceptions regarding depression in older adults. Continue reading …

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Therese Borchard
I am a writer and chaplain trying to live a simple life in Annapolis, Maryland.

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5 Responses
  1. Therese, Where did you get this information? My blog is looking to focus on men with long term sobriety who are committing suicide. Could you please get me your cite for the info below? Thanks .
    A common misconception is that suicide rates are highest among the young; however, it is the older white males—the population over 65 years old — who suffer the highest rates. When elderly men make suicide attempts, they are most likely to be successful.

  2. Therese, I am putting here the same comment I put at the bottom of this page. 

    Therese, Where did you get this information? My blog is looking to focus on men with long term sobriety who are committing suicide. Could you please get me your cite for the info below? Thanks . A common misconception is that suicide rates are highest among the young; however, it is the older white males—the population over 65 years old — who suffer the highest rates. When elderly men make suicide attempts, they are most likely to be successful.

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  3. Therese, there is a treatment I use as a holistic nurse. It is quite effective in helping people with mental illness. It should likewise help the elderly in suicide prevention.

    Most text books point to electrolyte imbalances as one of several causes for dehydration. Dr. Batmanghelidj in his research further linked depression to dehydration. As a nurse, we would say fluid and electrolyte imbalance: less than bodies needs.

    Interestingly, we are having success in treating numerous forms of depression by having people dissolve a pinch of salt in their mouth and once dissolved, drink a glass of water.

    It is no secret that the elderly are chronically dehydrated. The salt increases their thirst and helps them to get the water in. The salt helps them keep it in for longer periods of time.

    The electrolytes in the salt (it has to be unprocessed sea salt) help the brain function and eliminate the depression.

    Now with the new CDC recommendations on increasing salt, this could help.

    http://www.watercures.org/depression-and-the-elderly.html