There are a number of medical problems that are commonly seen in the elderly. From a mental health standpoint, two of the more commonly seen problems are:

• Depression
• Memory Problems

Aging and Depression

Depression is common in the elderly due to a number of factors including lose. As people age, they often suffer loses of loved ones and friends, and at times, lose of physical functioning. These loses are often significant in the development of depression. It is estimated that 8-10 percent of Americans ages 65 and older in a given year have a diagnosable depressive illness (major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or dysthymic disorder). In contrast to the normal emotional experiences of sadness, grief, loss, or passing mood states, depressive disorders can be extreme and persistent and can interfere significantly with an individual's ability to function. Depressive symptoms that do not meet full diagnostic criteria for a disorder are common among the elderly and are associated with an increased risk of developing clinical depression.

Here is a list of the most common signs of depression in the elderly:

• A feeling of "emptiness" and/or ongoing sadness
• Tiredness, lack of energy
• Sleep problems
• Eating less than usual
• Crying too often or too much
• Being irritable
• Loss of interest or pleasure in everyday activities
• A hard time focusing, remembering, or making decisions
• Feeling guilty, worthless, or hopeless
• Thoughts of death or suicide

One of the more significant factors related to depression in the elderly is the risk of suicide.

Suicide in the elderly is a widely under recognized and under treated medical illness. In fact, several studies have found that many older adults who commit suicide have visited a primary care physician very close to the time of the suicide: 20 percent on the same day, 40 percent within one week, and 70 percent within one month of the suicide. These findings point to the urgency of enhancing both the detection and the adequate treatment of depression as a means of reducing the risk of suicide among the elderly. Older Americans are disproportionately likely to commit suicide. The highest rate is for white men ages 85 and older: 64.9 deaths per 100,000, about 6 times the national U.S. rate of 10.6 per 100,000.

The key to assisting the elderly who suffer depression is early recognition! Family members, friends and caregivers need to be alert to the signs of depression in the elderly and need to communicate their concern to the person's healthcare provider.

Aging and Memory

Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. Although there are several forms of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a common form of dementia among older people. It involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Every day scientists learn more, but right now the causes of AD are still unknown. Scientists think that up to 4 million Americans suffer from AD. The disease usually begins after age 60, and risk goes up with age. While younger people also may get AD, it is much less common. About 3 percent of men and women ages 65 to 74 have AD, and nearly half of those age 85 and older may have the disease. It is important to note, however, that AD is not a normal part of aging. AD begins slowly. At first, the only symptom may be mild forgetfulness. People with AD may have trouble remembering recent events, activities, or the names of familiar people or things. Simple math problems may become hard to solve. Such difficulties may be a bother, but usually they are not serious enough to cause alarm. However, as the disease goes on, symptoms are more easily noticed and become serious enough to cause people with AD or their family members to seek medical help. For example, people in the later stages of AD may forget how to do simple tasks, like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. They can no longer think clearly. They begin to have problems speaking, understanding, reading, or writing. Later on, people with AD may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, patients need total care.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from one of these problems, you should seek professional help.

Additionally, you may also want to check out our Forums or Blog Site to see how others are dealing with similar issues.