Having depression for a long period of time is not a normal part of growing older. Most older adults feel satisfied with their lives, despite having more illnesses or physical problems. But depression in older
adults may be difficult to recognize because they may show different, less obvious symptoms.
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Sometimes older people who are depressed appear to feel tired, have trouble sleeping, or seem grumpy and irritable. Confusion or attention problems caused by depression can sometimes look like Alzheimer\u2019s
disease or other brain disorders. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Older adults also may have more medical conditions such as heart disease, stroke, or cancer, which may cause depressive symptoms. Or they may be taking medications with side effects that contribute to depression.
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Some older adults may experience what doctors call vascular depression, also called arteriosclerotic depression or subcortical ischemic depression. Vascular depression may result when blood vessels become less flexible and harden over time, becoming constricted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The hardening of vessels prevents normal blood flow to the body\u2019s organs, including the brain. Those with vascular depression may have or be at risk for heart disease or stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n