Seasonal Affective Disorder and the Elderly: What Family Members and Caregivers Need to Know

By Jamie Shapiro | October 28, 2015 | Comments Off on Seasonal Affective Disorder and the Elderly: What Family Members and Caregivers Need to Know

Elderly Care in Glenview IL

Winter is often a dreary, cold, dark season, especially for those who live in Northern climates. For some individuals, winter brings about depression. When depression appears only during the winter months, it’s often referred to as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). SAD is depression that occurs during the winter. The elderly, who already have a high risk of depression, may suffer from SAD, and it’s important that family members and elder care professionals don’t simply brush off this problem as the “winter blues.” Here’s a closer look at the symptoms of SAD and some treatment options that may provide relief.

 

The Signs and Symptoms of SAD

Usually, SAD symptoms show up in late fall or early in the winter and they go away once sunny warm days appear in spring or summer. It’s important that in-home care professionals and families know the signs and symptoms of SAD, which include:

 

  • Increased appetite and carb cravings
  • Oversleeping
  • Lack of interest in activities that are usually pleasurable
  • Sluggishness or extreme fatigue
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Feeling anxious, grumpy, moody, or sad
  • Weight gain
  • Decreased energy
  • Social withdrawal

 

What are the Causes of SAD?

While no one is sure what causes SAD, it’s thought that fewer hours of sunlight may affect the body’s circadian rhythm, resulting in changes to serotonin levels within the body. Serotonin deficiencies may lead to depression. More hours of darkness may also result in more melatonin secretion, which may alter sleep patterns and affect an individual’s moods. Elderly individuals often have mobility problems, they are intolerant to cold, and they may deal with many health problems that are exacerbated by the cold winter. This often results in decreased time outdoors in the sun, which increases the risk of developing depression. Elder care professionals and family members may notice that seniors that have pre-existing depression may get worse during the winter.

 

Preventing and Treating SAD

If elder care professionals or family members notice the symptoms of SAD in a senior, it’s important to get a doctor involved. A physician should treat depression of any kind. In some cases, simple lifestyle changes may help prevent or reduce problems with SAD. Some of the following tips may prevent or help elderly individuals cope with SAD:

 

  • Make sure as much light gets into the senior’s room as possible
  • If possible, get the elderly individual outdoors once a day
  • Ensure the senior is eating a healthy diet to prevent vitamin deficiencies that may contribute to depression
  • Encourage social interaction with home care aids, family members, and friends
  • Consider light therapy, using a light that mimics daylight
  • Talk to a physician about vitamin D supplements
  • Add some form of exercise to the senior’s day

 

If you or an aging loved one are considering elderly care services in Glenview, IL, contact the caring staff at Companion Services of America today at (847) 943-3786. Our home care service area includes Northbrook, Highland Park, Deerfield, Glenview, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Des Plaines, Skokie, Lake Forest, Wilmette and the surrounding areas.

Source
https://www.seniorhealth365.com/2012/06/07/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-in-the-elderly/

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/tc/seasonal-affective-disorder-sad-topic-overview

https://www.maineseniorguide.com/news/seasonal-affective-disorder-and-seniors-fixing-sad

https://oxford-healthcare.com/seasonal-affective-disorder-and-the-elderly/

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20021047

Jamie Shapiro
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