You Are Never Too Old to Feel Good

Researchers studying depression at the Washington University School of Medicine (WUSM) frequently hear statements like these:

• I don't need help; I can handle it myself, but I'm just so tired


• What if someone I know finds out I'm depressed? They will think I'm crazy


• I'm getting old, that's why I can't sleep


• Eating is difficult, nothing tastes good, and I just don't feel like cooking anymore


• I'm just a worrywart; I worry about everyone and everything


• Fun? What is fun anymore? I can't do what I used to do, so why do anything


• I don't feel like going out with my friends or family; it's too much trouble


• If I read a book or watch TV my mind wanders, and I can't remember the story

The things that happen in your brain play a role in whether you feel happy or sad, peppy or lethargic. It influences how you feel when getting out of bed in the morning, whether you'd rather "seize the day" or be seized by it. It's your central command, your very own computer, your powerhouse and personality.

Depression may be the wrong word for this illness of the brain. It might be more accurate to call it "brain-slow-down" illness.

Individuals diagnosed with major depression by a psychiatrist often take anti-depression medications. They get better because their brains respond to the medication. They don't get better because they wake up one day and decide "enough of this bad mood; I'm going to make myself feel the way I used to feel."

It doesn't work that way. You can't wish away a heart condition, diabetes or high blood pressure, and you can't wish away a brain illness. Although illnesses such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes can contribute to depression.

WUSM is studying how part of the brain -- the hippocampus -- shrinks with depression. The hippocampus is responsible for memory and emotions. The depression that happens to older adults who have these medical illnesses "vascular depression." Research is needed to determine if treatment with anti-depressant medicines will correct the problem.

Sniffing out problems with smell

When people have a problem with smell, they may experience partial or complete loss of that sense. They may think they smell bad odors that are not there and usually have problems appreciating food.

After 65, the sense of smell begins to decline. Two out of three seniors over 80 have a problem with smell with men affected more than women. We need our sense of smell to warn us about dangers such as a natural gas leak or smoke. Food can lose its appeal and we may eat too much or too little. Loss of smell may also cause us to eat too much sugar or salt as we attempt to improve our food. Those with total loss of smell are more likely to eat or drink spoiled foods or toxic substances.

Swollen sinuses and nasal passages often result in problems with smell and can cause total or partial loss of smell. You can prevent colds and respiratory infections by washing your hands frequently, especially during the winter months. Loss of smell also can be caused by nasal polyps, which are small, non-cancerous growths in the nose or sinuses. Removing the polyps may restore smell.

Certain medications -- some antibiotics, blood pressure pills, cholesterol-lowering drugs and antifungal medications -- can cause problems with smell. Other less common causes are thyroid abnormalities, vitamin deficiencies, malnutrition, diabetes, multiple sclerosis or a brain tumor.
Check with your doctor if you experience problems with your sense of smell.

You may be able to prevent -- or get early treatment for -- a more serious health problem. If you do not regain your sense of smell, there are things you can do to ensure your safety. Discard food if there is a chance it is spoiled. Install smoke alarms and gas detectors for early warnings.

Traveling with Medication

Before you hit the road, consider these tips from AARP on traveling safely with your medicines.
Carry your personal medication record with you.

Keeping a list of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter drugs and the conditions they treat, is especially important in the event you need medical attention while away from home; it's important to carry this information with you in case your medicine gets lost or stolen and you need to replace it.

Pack your medicines in your carry-on bag. Getting separated from your luggage can turn into a matter of life or death. Keep medication in the original containers to make it easier for customs officials to inspect. If you have a medical emergency, it's easier to determine what medications you have been taking.

Bring more than you need -- If your travel arrangements change, it's a good idea to carry an extra week's supply.

Consider storage -- If your medicine needs to be stored and kept cool, take a small insulated container, like a lunch pack.

Do your research -- Some countries have regulations about the types of medicines that can be brought in; some over-the-counter drugs may be considered a controlled substance in other countries such as medicines containing codeine.

Contact BarnesCare's Travelers' Health Service or the appropriate embassy before you travel to check your medications; if you take narcotic prescription drugs or travel with needles, ask your doctor to provide you with a letter of explanation.