Depression in the Elderly Often Overlooked, Experts Say

Park Hills, Mo. (KFMO) - Depression among older adults continues to be a growing concern, and health experts say it’s often overlooked.

Walt Barron, Education and Public Relations Representative with the Southeast Missouri Mental Health Center, explains that depression in the elderly is sometimes dismissed as a normal part of aging.

According to Barron, about four percent of adults over the age of 70 in the United States suffer from clinical depression.

He adds that signs to watch for include sleep issues, weight loss, difficulty concentrating, suicidal thoughts, irritability, and persistent sadness. Barron stresses that if you notice these symptoms in a loved one, it’s important to reach out to their doctor for help.