Author Archives: PsychManila

This is the continuation of the previous article on Depression and Dementia.

What is the relationship of Depression and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD)?
• The biological changes caused by AD may intensify a predisposition to depression;
• Depression may increase the chances of developing AD;
• Depression can affect quality of life of persons with AD:
   ◦ Worsening cognitive decline
   ◦ Greater disability with regard to Activities of Daily Living
   ◦ Increased dependence on caregivers

What is the difference between Depression and Dementia?
• Depression develops more quickly than Dementia
• Problems with speech, reasoning, orientation to time & space usually common in persons with Dementia & not with Depression.
• Persons with Depression may occasionally complain of difficulty remembering but will be able to do so with prompts.
• Persons with Depression may complain of impaired reasoning & memory but these improve after medication or when depression lifts
• Lack of motivation (apathy) to do things seen in both conditions, but this disappears when anti-depressive medication is given.

(sources: helpguide.org., alheizmer.org.uk, mayoclinic.org)

Causes of Depression
• Traumatic event
• Changes in one’s life situation (e.g. retirement, moving to a new house)
• Effects of certain illnesses or side effect of medication
• Social Isolation or lack of social support
• Lack of meaningful things to do (e.g. after retirement)
• Worries over issues of money, relationships

Signs of Depression
A persistent condition characterized by feelings of:
• Sadness & hopelessness
• Loss of energy & appetite
• Loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed
• Problems remembering, concentrating or making simple decisions
• Increased agitation and restlessness

Managing Depression
• Self help
   ◦ Regular physical exercise (e.g. walking, yoga, Zumba dancing)
   ◦ A reassuring regular daily routine
   ◦ Planning social activities with people, decreasing social isolation
   ◦ Increased time spent doing enjoyable activities (reminiscence & life story work, cooking with a group)
   ◦ Engaging in a hobby (e.g. crocheting, reading)
   ◦ Volunteering one’s time and talents in an organization
   ◦ Making changes in the environment (reducing unwanted stimuli e.g. lights, noise, crowds)

• Talking Therapy (individual counseling & w/ support group)

• Medical Management (Antidepressant Medication)

(sources: helpguide.org., alheizmer.org.uk, mayoclinic.org):

We all experience stress at work and at home. Here are some facts about stress to help us understand and manage it better (sources: helpguide.org., alheizmer.org.uk, mayoclinic.org):

What is Stress?
• Body’s way of responding to perceived threats
• Body releases stress hormones (e.g. adrenaline, cortisol) which cause
• Physical changes in your body (“fight or flight”)
• Equips you to respond to situation (e.g. focused, alert)
• Too much and too long is harmful to your body and mind

Signs of Stress: Cognitive Symptoms
• Memory problems
• Inability to concentrate
• Poor judgement
• Seeing only the negative
• Anxious racing thought
• Constant worrying

Signs of Stress: Emotional Symptoms
• Moodiness
• Irritability or short temper
• Agitation, inability to relax
• Feeling overwhelmed
• Sense of isolation, loneliness
• Depression or general unhappiness

Signs of Stress: Behavioral and Physical Symptoms
• Eating more or less
• Sleeping too much or too little
• Isolating yourself from others
• Using alcohol, cigarettes or drugs

Getting Help:
• When experiencing low mood and difficulties with memory, consult your doctor (neurologist) or go to the Brain Wellness Center at Asian Hospital & Medical Center to investigate cause;
• Depression and stress can cause changes in thinking & memory function which can sometimes be mistaken for dementia;
• Neurocognitive screening will help determine whether changes are due to dementia and depression/anxiety/stress;
• Appropriate diagnosis will lead to appropriate intervention.

Free weights for strength and flexibility.

Aerobic dancing for cardiovascular health, mental focus and enhancement of working memory, movement and balance!

Fun with people who love the same thing I do!

THE AGING PROCESS
Old Paradigm
– Aging leads to an inevitable process of decline
– Body increases in stiffness, rigidity; closes down mentally & physically
– Body contracts and we lose height, strength and flexibility
– Natural free range of motion becomes restricted

New Paradigm
Modern science has confirmed the healing power of movement – regular, moderate exercise promotes a youthful life of vigor and mental, emotional well being.

WHY YOGA?

Ancient yogis designed practices to help people become healthy and strong enough to bring the mind into stillness and enable one to connect with the divine.

WHAT IS YOGA?
– The word comes from the Sanskrit word which means “union”.
– Refers to a set of physically engaging exercises designed to align your muscles, bones & nervous system to reorganize your physical architecture so that the “drainpipe” of your body (the spine & nervous system) becomes unclogged and energy can flow freely.
– A form of holistic health-care designed to enhance energy and boost wellness.

YOGA IS AN IDEAL FORM OF MOVEMENT FOR OLDER ADULTS
as it…
– involves non-competitive, mindful movement that encourages people to start where they are, breathe deeply and release tension.
– involves challenge without strain
– promotes mental, emotional well being and spiritual growth

YOGA POSES…
– opens and lengthens the body
– restores suppleness to the spine
– strengthens muscles, ligaments and joints
– takes our joints through its full range of motion helping prevent degenerative arthritis or mitigate disability by massaging and lubricating cartilage and joints that normally aren’t used
– improves balance and flexibility

BENEFITS OF A YOGA PRACTICE

– A yoga practice promotes inner strength and confidence in our ability to absorb inevitable stresses.

– A sense of inner well being, not dependent on outside circumstances, promotes an attitude that helps us make better choices in all aspects of our lives.

– Holds great promise as a low-cost, low-risk, effective way to retain independence with age.

SOURCES:
Francina, Suza. The New Yoga for Healthy Aging: Living Longer, Living Stronger, and Loving Every Day. Health Communications Inc. 2007

Cindy Lee. Yoga Body Buddha Mind. Riverhead Books 2004

Images of Yoga Poses from Google (“Yoga Poses”) and www.yogajournal.com