When older people feel gloomy, they often shrug off their feelings. Family members may also ignore these warning signs of depression, thinking they’re just part of old age.

Yet the signs of depression are too serious to snub. Here’s what you should know about depression to protect yourself or someone you love.

Q. What are the warning signs of depression in older people?
A. Older adults who are depressed tend to lose interest in what they once enjoyed and may stop taking care of themselves. They also may be irritable, anxious, fatigued, or lose weight. They may even think about death frequently.

Because some of these symptoms can be signs of other medical problems, it makes sense to see a doctor. Some medicines can also cause side effects that mimic depression.

Q. Maybe it’s dementia, not depression. How can I tell the difference?
A. Depression may come on very quickly, while signs of dementia creep up over a longer period of time. While depressed people may have trouble concentrating, they can usually remember recent events. People with dementia often can’t.

Q. Is depression linked to other conditions?
A. Sometimes. Depression often goes hand-in-hand with other ailments, such as heart disease, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and anxiety disorders. It’s also common after a stroke. Certain medicines can also cause symptoms of depression. These include some medicines for arthritis and high blood pressure. Abusing alcohol can also trigger depression.

Depression can affect healthy older adults, too, including those who have never had it before.

Q. What should I do if I suspect depression?
A. Realize that people with depression may be ashamed of their feelings. Remind them that depression affects more than their mood. It can aggravate pain and worsen aspects of some diseases, such as diabetes and coronary artery disease. It can also put them at higher risk for developing physical and cognitive problems. But antidepressant medicine, therapy, or both can help.

Encourage your loved one to talk with a doctor. If he or she is confused or withdrawn, you may want to go to the doctor’s visit, too.

Help an Older Adult Stay Upbeat

• If your loved one is a caregiver, encourage him or her to share the load with another.
• Encourage your loved one to spend time with family and friends.
• If your relative has lost a spouse, suggest that he or she join a support group to meet others facing the same issues.