Late-Life Depression Quiz Older adults often suffer needlessly from untreated depression because they don't know the symptoms, or they think it's a normal part of aging. Older adults may also fear being stigmatized by a diagnosis of depression. Or they don't want to talk with their healthcare provider about it because they think it shows weakness. Friends and family may think the symptoms of depression are just a passing mood. Depression,is a serious but treatable medical illness. Learn more about depression in older adults by taking this quiz. 1. Depression is a natural part of growing older. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Depression is not a normal part of growing old. But it is a common problem among older people. A. TrueB. False 2. One common symptom of depression is feeling sad for 2 weeks or more. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Other common symptoms are: Feeling worthless or helpless Having problems sleeping or concentrating Not wanting to do activities that you usually enjoy Not taking care of personal appearance Refusing to socialize with family and friends A. TrueB. False 3. Long-term (chronic) illness can trigger depression. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Depression can also be triggered by the death of a spouse or other family member. It can also be brought on by retirement. An older person used to working may have problems changing to a different lifestyle. A. TrueB. False 4. Depression always has an obvious cause. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is It can happen to anyone for no apparent reason, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). A. TrueB. False 5. Illnesses such as Parkinson disease or cancer can trigger depression. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Certain illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, or arthritis can mask depression symptoms. Studies have shown a link between certain chronic conditions such as depression and a higher risk for Alzheimer disease. But researchers still aren’t sure whether these conditions actually cause it. A. TrueB. False 6. Treatments for depression include counseling and antidepressant medicine. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Mild or moderate depression often can be treated with just therapy, the NIMH says. A. TrueB. False 7. People older than age 65 make up a large portion of suicides in the U.S. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Suicide is more common in older people than in any other age group. Depression often is a trigger. A. TrueB. False 8. Most insurance companies don't cover depression treatment. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is Most health insurance companies cover counseling and antidepressant medicines. A. TrueB. False 9. If not treated, depression can make the symptoms of other illnesses worse. You didn't answer this question. You answered The correct answer is And if not treated, serious depression can lead to suicide. That's why it's important to listen carefully if someone complains about being depressed or says people don't care. That person may be telling you they need help. A. TrueB. False Your score was: