What is the best cure for an elderly person's depression?

Answer 1

A pet!

Answer 2

Firstly.......depression unfortunately cannot really be cured. Many people who suffer from depression and require medical intervention remain on anti-depressants or other treatments for the rest of their life!

Depression in elderly people is a serious condition (just like in people of all ages), however remains poorly understood. Many people do not believe that the elderly can become depressed, however feel that it is just a normal part of the ageing process...as many symptoms are similar to that of ageing.

If an elderly person is truely depressed and requires medical intervention, there are two common options - antidepressents or ECT (electro-convulsive therapy).

Anti-depressants are commonly used as are usually most effective IF the correct medication is used! The problem with anti-depressants is that it takes about 2-3 weeks (once an appropriate, effective medication is chosen) for the medication to take effect. And as only certain anti-depressants are effective or more effective with different people, it can take time for the best one to be discovered, and then add the 2-3 weeks for any effect.

ECT, although controversial, is shown to be quite effective with elderly patients. This treatment works almost immediately in some people...and is shown to quite effective. The down-side of ECT is the side-effects which differ with different people, or may not even occur. These effects include memorly loss, headaches etc. ECT is not a once-off treatment, initially approx. 6 treatments are required for an effect, and then top-ups are required in order to maintain.

It is a very difficult to decision to make......treat the depression with ECT quickly but with risks, or take time in finding the correct anti-depressant which may also have side-effects???

It is wise to read up on both treatments, and then decide what is best. Don't always go by what the psychiatrist says is best...if you do not believe in either of the treatments...it is up to you! Make sure you know the facts about available treatments before you decide.

There are many other options that may be available, however this is the area that i know....hope it helps.

Answer 3

depression is a tricky one...it can be nutritional in cause or emotional or chemical. Whatever advice you get here, obviously combine it with guidance of a trained professional.
it's not uncommon for elderly people to have lower stomach acids as they get older, as a result a lot of nutrients cannot be absorbed, one being iron. this can cause fatigue and lethargy that contributes to depression. Also, low stomach acids can cause poor appetite so very possible they arent getting enough of any nutrients.
Secondly, elderly people often don't get enough sunlight which is needed to produce Vitamin D in the body. Depression may occur from vitamin d deficiency.

make sure their diet is properly managed by a naturopath, and (s)he is under supervision of a doctor. if there's been trauma such as the loss of a loved one, counselling will be essential.
Sorry i can't be more exact but there's not an exact *cure* for depression because can be caused by so many things.

Answer 4

whilst i'm no psychologist nor a psychiatrist,i might purely propose which you and his different acquaintances might desire to ensure that he spends very minimum time in solitude or on my own.you could desire to continuously shop reminding him which you all are there for him and that he might desire to gradually attempt to return out of his shell.Chemical dependence is definitely a undesirable element.He might desire to be enrolled interior the AA software ASAP.i'm beneficial that the human beings who habit this methodology will enable a minimum of on of you to accompany him.that's an incredible software the place you share your problems with further stricken human beings.He might desire to be made to comprehend that his project is like another ailment and can be cured. Have a astounding Day.

Answer 5

When the elderly person realizes how much GOD loves the elderly people,how HE gives importance to them,they will feel good.So bible helps!Companionship,by being around them.Give them importance,by listening to them even they repeat the same stories over and over again.And by taking care of them,of their needs,etc.

Answer 6

Visit with them, take them out into the sunshine, tell them that you care about them, let them remember things and tell you about their life. Not all depression needs medication sometimes they just need to feel loved.