Anxiety, depression tied to earlier Alzheimer’s symptom onset
People with anxiety or depression and Alzheimer’s may show dementia symptoms two to three years earlier than their peers without these diagnoses, researchers say.
Depression
‘Snap out of it’: American seniors shy away from depression care despite concerns
Many seniors who reported that they may be depressed during the coronavirus pandemic say they will not seek treatment for their symptoms, a new poll has found.
Clinical briefs for Thursday, Nov. 12
NIH and Fauci: Treatments for early COVID infection ‘critical’ to getting pandemic under control … Moderna could begin analyzing COVID vaccine data within days … Low fitness linked to higher depression and anxiety risk … Need for cold storage a COVID vaccine hurdle … Psychiatric diagnosis likely within 90 days of testing positive for COVID
Resident poll reveals pandemic’s emotional toll: Frail elders need ‘something to live for’
A direct poll of nursing home residents in 36 states reveals a “drastic” reduction in social activities and a steep increase in reported loneliness. “Innovative distance socializing” may help address the problem going forward, say the report’s authors.
Depression before surgery may limit functional recovery
Having more preoperative symptoms of depression was associated with a higher chance of functional decline in the year following orthopedic, gastrointestinal or vascular surgery, according to a study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Older women account for highest rates of rising antidepressant use: CDC
From 2009 to 2018, women alone accounted for rising antidepressant use in adults, the CDC has found. Researchers have also tied the COVID-19 pandemic to a three-fold increase in depression.
Seniors report more virtual contact, worse mental health during pandemic lockdowns
Mental health took a hit, but seniors seemed to be adapting to shelter-in-place conditions this spring, a new study finds. More than half spent more time socializing remotely, and most used internet technology to do so.
Vitamin D does not alter depression risk in older adults, five-year study finds
Among more than 18,000 participants without pre-existing depression, those who received active vitamin D3 supplements for five years were no more or less likely to become depressed than a placebo cohort.
Discovery offers hope for new pain and depression treatment
Luxembourg researchers have developed a novel molecule that binds to and blocks a previously unrecognized opioid receptor in the human brain.
Conversation starter: Social distancing more damaging for some residents
Seniors who perceive themselves as younger are less likely to suffer the mental health effects of social distancing, say researchers.
