Understanding the Connection Between Depression and Parkinson’s in Seniors

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Flora Umukoro

April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and as a leading provider of Parkinson’s care in Tracy, Home Care Assistance wants to shine some light on a little-known connection between PD and depression.

Depression can strike anyone at absolutely any age, including seniors. What’s more, a new study suggests seniors with depression are more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease in the future. If you are the caregiver or adult child of a senior, it is important to know the signs of depression and understand the possible connection between the two.

About the Study

A study conducted in 2013 concluded that individuals who are age 65 or older with depression (or adults with depression that is difficult to treat) are three times more likely to develop Parkinson’s disease than those who are not depressed. Information was taken from a Taiwanese database that contains information about the country’s insured population, and it was noted that over the course of a decade, 1.43% of individuals diagnosed with certain types of depression (or those over the age of 65 diagnosed with depression in any form) went on to develop Parkinson’s. This is compared to the rate of 0.52% of non-depressed patients who developed PD within the same timeframe.

Depression and Parkinson’s Disease Go Hand-in-Hand

Scientists, doctors, and researchers have known for quite some time that depression and Parkinson’s disease have a distinct relationship. A vast percentage of people who have Parkinson’s–up to 60% as some studies have suggested–will inevitably be diagnosed with some form of depression. However, the correlation between the two is still a bit foggy. Some believe that early Parkinson’s symptoms, such as the loss of the sense of smell, can lead to depression. Others believe that the chemical imbalances that are found in depressed patients may pave the way for the onset of Parkinson’s disease later down the line.

Signs of Senior Depression

While much remains unclear, there is one thing that is certain–elderly patients who have been diagnosed with depression are at a higher risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. As such, it is imperative for family members and Tracy caregivers to learn the early signs of depression in the elderly and speak with your loved one’s physician accordingly. Common signs of depression include:

• Losing interest in hobbies
• Loss of appetite or weight loss
• Fatigue
• Social withdraw
• Increased use of alcohol
• Anxiety
• Memory problems
• Lack of motivation
• Irritability
• Disregarding personal care

If you believe your loved one is showing signs of depression or Parkinson’s, the first thing to do is schedule an appointment with his or her primary care physician. You may also consider a trusted caregiver from Home Care Assistance of Tracy who can monitor your loved one, help around the house, and provide emotional support and companionship. Call (209) 650-8500 to schedule an in-home consultation with an experienced Care Manager who can answer questions, provide information on our flexible care plans, and tell you more about how a caregiver in Tracy can help your loved one maintain a happy and healthy life.