According to a new study elderly patients suffering from dementia who prescribe anti-depressant medication are more likely to suffer from falls than those not taking medication to alleviate symptoms of depression.
A report published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, has concluded that patients suffering from dementia who take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s) a medication prescribed to treat depression are more likely to suffer from side effects including dizziness and instability and are subsequently three times more likely to fall and injure themselves some to a severe extent with the result of a fall including broken bones, fractured hips and in one case death.
The Alzheimer’s Society has reportedly requested research into alternative treatments to tackle depression in the elderly particularly those suffering from dementia.
There are a number of therapy options that are available that can be adapted to help people suffering from depression including yoga and mindfulness meditation. Additionally exercise has been scientifically proven to improve mood and mindset therefore gentle pilates and tai chi could be used in combination with a mood enhancing diet could be used as treatment for mild depression .
