{"id":3295,"date":"2017-11-10T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-11-10T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/prd-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/?p=3295"},"modified":"2025-04-17T17:59:30","modified_gmt":"2025-04-17T17:59:30","slug":"depression-or-dementia-how-to-know-signs-care-for-aging-parents","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/updates-www.mccdn.io\/vitals\/depression-or-dementia-how-to-know-signs-care-for-aging-parents\/","title":{"rendered":"Depression or dementia? How to know the signs and care for aging parents","gt_translate_keys":[{"key":"rendered","format":"text"}]},"content":{"rendered":"

As we age, we may deal with health conditions such as hearing loss and arthritis. Though not inevitable, these are common conditions that we\u2019ll likely talk to our doctor about, and get treatment for.<\/p>\n

So why don\u2019t we treat mental health conditions the same way?<\/p>\n

The most common mental health conditions facing older adults are depression and dementia. In fact, one in five people over the age of 60 suffers from symptoms of depression, and according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 47.5 million people worldwide live with dementia.<\/p>\n

But confusion about symptoms and stigma around mental illness persist. Instead of talking to our families or physicians, we may keep quiet out of fear.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe stigma is still strong,\u201d says Julie Jensen, manager, MultiCare Behavioral Health, Older Adult Services.<\/p>\n

Help is available, though. We spoke to two experts in MultiCare Behavioral Health<\/a>\u00a0to learn the signs and symptoms of depression and dementia and what you can do if you or a loved one is suffering from one of these conditions.<\/p>\n

Depression<\/h2>\n

Many myths persist about depression, including the assumption that depression is just what happens as you get older.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe majority of older adults are healthy and happy,\u201d says Jensen. \u201cDepression is not a normal part of aging.\u201d<\/p>\n

Often losses are the cause of depression \u2014 loss of health or the death of a loved one, for example. But for some, it may be genetic or recurring.<\/p>\n

\u201cSome have experienced depression throughout their lives,\u201d Jensen says.<\/p>\n

For many older adults, the first discussion of depressive symptoms is with their primary care provider, who can refer you or your loved one to MultiCare Behavioral Health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The good news is that treatment works and Behavioral Health offers services to meet the unique needs and circumstances of each person individually \u2014 counseling, support groups and\/or medication.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of depression:<\/p>\n