Typical features of depression in the elderly/depression associated with cognitive decline:

1. The patient is in a low mood but rarely expresses it clearly. Instead, the patient often expresses himself/herself in the form of “I am too lazy to talk”, “It is meaningless”, or “I am useless”.
2. Common manifestations include cognitive slowing, memory loss, and inattention, but unlike dementia, these symptoms can improve with encouragement or guidance.
3. Sleep disorders (early awakening), physical decline, and loss of interest are obvious and are often mistaken for "normal aging."
4. Feelings of hopelessness, worthlessness, and self-blame, but often not expressing them actively, instead expressing them through silence, avoidance, over-dependence, or passive-aggression.
5. Frequently overly concerned about physical discomfort (such as dizziness, chest tightness, fatigue, etc.), and becoming further depressed after examinations find no results.
6. Lack of awareness of proactively seeking help, often the disease is not discovered until functional deterioration is severe or family members notice abnormalities.
7. Once supportive intervention is received, the potential for improvement is good, especially when cognitive function is still acceptable, and non-drug therapies can be used to stabilize mood and slow deterioration.

Teaching objectives:

- Help students understand the relationship and difference between geriatric depression and cognitive decline.
- Improve the ability of family members, caregivers and individuals to recognize that "depression" is an abnormal manifestation of aging.
-Establish scientific understanding that “cognitive slowing ≠ dementia” to avoid misdiagnosis and neglect.
- Provide methods of emotional activation, cognitive awakening and social connection to improve the psychological state of the elderly.
-Establish an emotional care mechanism suitable for the elderly and strengthen family support and the use of community resources.

Course Schedule(Total 6 sections)

Lesson 96:Depression in the elderly is not just about “getting older”

Being depressed is not "normal as you get older", but rather your heart is expressing its true feelings.

You still have the ability to feel, connect and change.

Being understood is the most important psychological nourishment in old age.

Lesson 97:When low mood meets poor memory

Mood and memory are closely related, and forgetting things when you are down does not mean you are "getting stupid".

Accepting change is the most gentle response to yourself.

You don't have to remember everything, just remember that you are loved.

Lesson 98:What triggers depression in older adults?

Loss, loneliness, and role changes may all be triggers, and it is not your fault.

The pain of not being understood is most likely to remain silent.

Every elder's emotions deserve to be listened to carefully.

Lesson 99:Action is the most gentle persistence against degeneration

We don't seek to do much, just to live steadily and move forward slowly.

You are not becoming incompetent, you are just continuing in another way.

Every time you stand up, move, and express yourself, it is your strength.

Lesson 100:Making emotions visible: the role and expression of caregivers

Caregivers also have emotions and need to be cared for.

Imperfect companionship is also a kind of profound tenderness.

Only when emotions are visible can the care relationship truly become a two-way support.

Lessons 21-40:Traditional Mandala (Supplementary Course)

Within the lines, your emotions can be settled and your heart can be stabilized.

Mandala is not a decoration, but the oldest language of your soul.

With each stroke, you are quietly repairing yourself.

Please complete the course evaluation to review your learning and provide suggestions. This will help you deepen your understanding and help us improve the course.