Risk Factors for Elderly Depression

Those individuals who are 65 years of age or older have several risk factors for depression including certain medications they may be taking, other diseases they may have, social isolation, a recent bereavement, damage to their body caused by amputation, cancer, surgery or accident destruction. Other risk factors are fear of death, a family history of depression, a previous episode of depression or attempted suicide, and also substance abuse.

Medications that can trigger depression in the elderly are:

Anticholinergics are used to relieve cramping or spasms experienced in the intestines, bladder or stomach. Medications such as Anaspaz, Bentyl, Gastrosed and Levbid are anticholinergics.

Cogentin is used to treat Parkinson's disease and has been shown to cause depression in some individuals. Another drug used to treat Parkinson's that can also cause depression is bromocriptine.

Corticosteroids, which are used to reduce swelling and the activity of the immune system, can also trigger depression. Medications that are corticosteoids are hydrocortisone, prednisone flonase, nasocort, nasonex, and flovent

Tagamet a popular medication used to treat heartburn

Capoten is a medication that is prescribed for those with high blood pressure

Chronic Diseases that can trigger depression include:

Arthritis, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, lupus and also multiple sclerosis

Diseases can demand a lot out of the elderly person's body, zapping energy, reducing mobility and robbing the person of valuable independence. All of these consequences to chronic disease can bring the individual to despair and extreme sadness. Depression is a complication to chronic disease.

Hardships experienced from the disease can also trigger a psychological reaction that can lead to depression.

The risk for depression increases with the increase in severity of a chronic disease.

A double whammy is experienced when the depression caused by the chronic disease actually aggravates the disease because depression can intensify pain.

Social isolation, a recent bereavement, and damage to their body can also trigger depression in the elderly:

When an elderly individual is isolated from other members of the community they are cut off from support systems that could assist them with hardships or stresses that trigger depression. A recent loss such as a spouse or other family member or a close friend can emotionally deplete the individual and make them vulnerable to depression. The physical and emotional trauma of having an amputation or receiving physical damage to the body in any way can cause psychological and emotional harm that can trigger depression.

The fear of death becomes stronger the older one gets and for many this brings about great anxiety which causes depression.

Those individuals who have been depressed previously are more likely to suffer depression when any of the above causes are present.

Chronic or severe pain can lead to fatigue and depression as the situation continues in apparent hopelessness for the individual suffering the pain.

Elderly individuals who abuse any substance alcohol included are at a higher risk for depression because alcohol and other drugs are depressants.

Direct Relation of Dental Care to Good Health in Retirees

Growing old gracefully is harder than it seems when you practice bad oral hygiene. It's easy to forget that your teeth and other things inside your mouth are also going under an aging process. Unlike sharks or other animals who continually get teeth to replace any that fall out, us human adults only have one set of teeth to see us through our adult years once the baby set falls out in youth. That's a long time to keep your dental health in good shape.

Therefore, it is no wonder that when you have poor oral hygiene, you can experience a whole host of health problems besides the ugly smile and stinky breath. When you do not take good care of your teeth, you are at risk of different sicknesses like periodontal or gum disease, gingivitis, infections, stroke and heart disease and even bone loss. Only through regular dental check-ups and routine maintenance like teeth cleaning will you be able to keep a healthy body and mouth.

Here are some things to look out for as they are cause for concern not only in oral health but also health issues regarding the whole body:

1. Gum disease - When your gums bleed, this could be a sign of gingivitis or periodontal disease. If you receive an infection as a result of bleeding gums and poor hygiene, you will likely loose teeth.
2. Tooth decay or cavities - Flossing is important as well as good teeth brushing in order to prevent tooth decay or cavities. This is another way to loose teeth if left unchecked.
3. False teeth - Sometimes, older adults need dentures. However, as you age, your bone structure will change slightly and this includes your mouth. As a result, you will need to have your dentures adjusted or even replaced periodically. Just be sure to take care of your dentures just as you would your teeth to make them last longer.
4. Dry mouth - Certain medications or illnesses can cause dry mouth in older adults. The lack of saliva hinders speech, eating and even swallowing. Cancer drugs are often a culprit. Without enough saliva, the environment in your mouth cannot stay balanced. Therefore, you could experience gum disease, cavities or more.
5. Oral cancer - This type of disease can be successfully treated if caught early. One of the ways to help prevent this disease from taking hold of your mouth is through regular trips to the dentist for teeth cleaning, denture inspection and more.
6. Implants - Sometimes, dentists rely on dental implants to replace teeth that have fallen out or they are used to hold bridges or other denture pieces together. Regular dental appointments are needed to ensure that these implants are still in good shape and that the bone in your jaw is not deteriorating because of them.

The bottom line is that many dental problems can be resolved with regular dental check-ups. Dental cleanings, brushing teeth regularly and flossing are all part of maintaining a healthy mouth into retirement. In addition, no tobacco products should be used and alcohol should only be consumed in moderation. Finally, a healthy diet is considered a major line of defense in good oral health.