Double the risk of depression and dementia in the elderly...There's a high possibility of chronic disease
Feb 02, 2025
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According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about 5% of the elderly worldwide suffer from depression. As Korea enters a super-aged society, the mental health problem of the elderly has become a social task that cannot be overlooked any longer.
Kim Kyung-beom, head of the Department of Psychiatry at Busan Bongsaeng Memorial Hospital, also warned that depression that lasts for more than six months in the elderly is likely to lead to serious neurodegenerative diseases beyond simple psychological problems. Major symptoms of depression in the elderly include loss of motivation, sleep disorders, loss of appetite, and decreased concentration, and the number of elderly depression patients has recently been on the rise.
◇ Increase the risk of developing chronic diseases, depression...Diabetes, more than twice as high
Older depression is often accompanied by chronic diseases rather than appearing alone. However, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, and rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of developing depression. In particular, there are studies in Korea that show that diabetics have more than twice the incidence of depression compared to the general population due to difficulties in controlling blood sugar and anxiety about complications.
Parkinson's disease patients also experience difficulties in their daily lives due to decreased motor function, and the imbalance of neurotransmitters due to lack of dopamine causes depression.
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis increase the risk of chronic pain and social isolation due to joint deformation leading to depression. In other words, these chronic diseases form a link that goes beyond depression to dementia.
◇It is effective for walking for at least 30 minutes a day, meeting family and friends regularly, and preventing them
The treatment of depression in the elderly is effective when drug treatment and a non-pharmaceutical approach are combined. At this time, antidepressants may be essential, but cognitive behavioral therapy, exercise therapy, and social support system construction must be carried out together. Manager Kim Kyung-beom said, `Regular exercise not only improves body function but also promotes the secretion of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, contributing to alleviating depressive symptoms.'
In particular, walking exercise for more than 30 minutes a day or regular meetings with family and friends are very effective in preventing depression. If symptoms of depression persist for more than 2 weeks, it was recommended to consult a specialist and undergo regular cognitive function tests.
Manager Kim Kyung-beom emphasized the importance of a systematic approach to integrating mental and physical health, saying, "Regular mental health checkups and customized treatment are the key to supporting the healthy old age of the elderly." If the initial symptoms of depression in the elderly are not missed and managed through screening and integrated treatment, the risk of developing dementia can be reduced. This is an important task that goes beyond simply preventing diseases and improves the quality of life of the elderly in the super-aging era.
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This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
