DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY Thursday, August 8 Talk by Ben Pearce Riverglen 11 am-Noon Littleton Area Senior Center House Learn about depression and its causes. Psychological, environmental, physical factors and personality characteristics and medications causing depression are detailed. Understand the differences between delirium, depression, and dementia and to recognize important signs and symptoms. Learn why depression is often difficult to diagnose and why it is important to treat. Un- treated depression can lead to catastrophic health failure and even suicide in the elderly. Treatments and methodology for counseling and psychotherapy are discussed as well as medications and current assessment tools. Suggestions for self-help as well as family in- tervention strategies and prevention are also detailed DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY Thursday, August 8 Talk by Ben Pearce Riverglen 11 am-Noon Littleton Area Senior Center House Learn about depression and its causes. Psychological, environmental, physical factors and personality characteristics and medications causing depression are detailed. Understand the differences between delirium, depression, and dementia and to recognize important signs and symptoms. Learn why depression is often difficult to diagnose and why it is important to treat. Un- treated depression can lead to catastrophic health failure and even suicide in the elderly. Treatments and methodology for counseling and psychotherapy are discussed as well as medications and current assessment tools. Suggestions for self-help as well as family in- tervention strategies and prevention are also detailed