Seasonal changes, like snow, rain, or even sunshine, can affect anyone's day in a bad or a good way. But for senior citizens with Alzheimer's disease, the winter months raise health concerns such as fall risks, flu, pneumonia, or hypothermia. However, one condition is often overlooked; Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), also known as seasonal depression.
What Is Seasonal Depression?
Seasonal depression is a type or form of depression that causes depressive episodes during particular times of the year. The risk of SAD increases with age, and it affects more people in areas that experience intense winters. Lack of sunlight during the winter season, interrupted sleep patterns, and lack of vitamin D can also exacerbate the problem.
Seasonal depression often presents itself in seniors even if they have not been diagnosed with clinical depression. Typically, depressive episodes occur in the fall or winter but tend to be less in the spring and in warmer months. However, seasonal depression can also occur in summer.
Relationship Between Symptoms of Seasonal Depression and Alzheimer's
Seasonal depression increases the risk of Alzheimer's disease and exacerbates the symptoms for those living with Alzheimer's. Senior citizens with Alzheimer's may fail to recognize the signs and symptoms of seasonal depression, especially as their condition progresses. The signs and symptoms of the two conditions tend to overlap. Therefore, family members and caregivers should keep a close eye on their elderly loved ones in Kenner during the winter months to establish any signs and symptoms of seasonal depression.
While feeling a bit blue is an ordinary response to the post-holiday winter months, consider contacting professionals at Alzheimer's facilities or medical centers if you continue to see the following symptoms for a couple of weeks:
- Increased irritability
- Feelings of helplessness
- Unexplained weight changes
- Impaired memory
- Fatigue
- Difficulty sleeping
- Lack of motivation and interest in daily activities
- Sudden changes in appetite and mood
The attending specialist can establish whether to schedule a screening for seasonal depression.
Complete Care to Combat Seasonal Depression in Seniors With Alzheimer's
Several interventions can help combat mood changes in seniors with Alzheimer's. For instance, providing companionship and helping them with their daily errands. An in-home senior care facility in Metairie can offer family members the support and resources they need to care for elderly loved ones with Alzheimer's when they experience seasonal depression. You can get qualified caregivers to offer daily companionship, personal care, and assistance with daily living activities.
Additionally, eating a nutritious diet, exercising, and exposure to light can help manage winter blues. Seniors may be at an increased risk of suffering from vitamin D deficiency; therefore, increasing vitamin D intake can help. Caregivers from a Metairie in-home senior care facility receive expert training on diet requirements and thus can make necessary dietary changes for elderly loved ones.
Compassionate and Professional Care at Your Home
Keeping your senior citizen's spirit up during winter months requires recognizing the signs and symptoms of seasonal depression and knowing how to make meaningful changes in their daily routine. If you think your elderly loved one could benefit from specialized care, Senior Helpers of Metairie can help. We offer care services for seniors in Metairie, New Orleans, Kenner, Westwego, and the surrounding regions. Contact us today for more information about our care services.