A recent study from the University of Queensland revealed some disturbing information about people who suffer from depression: they are also a lot more likely to suffer from another disease, too.
This particular study found that women who suffered from depression were at a higher risk of developing chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and stroke. The study also found that a clinical diagnosis of depression was not necessary. Just exhibiting prolonged symptoms of depression was enough for this heightened risk to occur.
To uncover this information, a large group of women were observed over a 20 year period. No previous diagnosis of depression or a chronic disease was present at the beginning of that 20 year period to try and help eliminate bad data. Over time, more than 40 percent of these women experienced some sort of depression. About half of the entire group was treated for depressive symptoms during the 20 year period. Those women who did suffer from depression at some point were 1.8 times more likely to develop a chronic illness than the group that never experienced depression.
Researchers involved in this study believe that this is because depression and many chronic illnesses share a common genetic “gateway.” The same genetic factors that can heighten someone’s risk of depression also heighten the risk of a chronic illness. This is just a guess at this point, but it does open up a door for future researchers to try and better understand the connection. Inflammation also plays a big role in each factor, which could also shed some light on the connection.
This obviously has a big impact upon the health of senior citizens, especially those who have had a history of suffering from depression. If depression is present, it is a very likely possibility that another disease exists or is likely to develop. While this can be frustrating, it is also a tool that can be used by doctors to help prevent issues. If they are aware that this is an issue, they can be more vigilant when it comes to the prevention of the diseases that commonly are associated with depression.
Caring for an elderly loved one with a disability is difficult. Compounding the issue with depression can make it even harder. There are certain things that someone who suffers from depression struggles with, and it can make the application of quality care a lot harder. If you’ve ever acted as a family caregiver to someone in this position, then you understand the struggle that it entails.
That’s why it’s important to select a skilled and qualified caregiver when you’re looking at professional assistance for your mom or dad. Before you finalize your selection or agree to any sort of care, it’s important to know that the caregiver you choose has the right background to effectively help your parent. Be sure to ask these questions. And if you don’t fully know what your parent’s needs are, get in touch with a doctor so that you can make this decision with greater accuracy.
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