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Mood Changes in Elderly Women

As a woman ages, her body undergoes change. Some of these changes are physiological and considered a part of normal aging -- heart disease, higher blood pressure and arthritis, for example. Older women may also experience changes in mood, which may not always be easy to diagnose or cure.

  1. Understanding Mood Swings

    • Mood swings can be difficult to discuss

      Sometimes, mood swings in older women are overlooked because they are considered a part of natural aging. Older women also experience hormonal changes associated with menopause and reproductive health that may result in a shift in moods. Some elderly women may be too embarrassed to talk about these changes with family, friends or health professionals. Mood changes should not be ignored, however, because they may indicate a deeper problem such as depression or a medical illness.

    An Indicator of Health Problems

    • Mood swings may be an indicator of serious health issues. Dementia, cancer and thyroid disorders are known to cause changes in an older woman's mental state. Mood changes may be a harbinger of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.

    Social Factors Affect Mood

    • Grief and loss can cause mood swings

      The culprit behind an older woman's mood change may be her day-to-day life. Major life events such as death and serious illness may lead to feelings of vulnerability or even hostility. An older woman may be experiencing the loss of a loved one, or may be dealing with separation from her family. She may be depressed as she recognizes and accepts her own mortality.

    Signs of Serious Mood Swings

    • Mood changes can be treated

      Some clues help determine whether some mood swings require immediate attention. Signs include memory loss, which is often associated with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, confusion, irritability and social withdrawal.

      Do not ignore mood changes. Physicians and mental health professionals may be able to pinpoint the cause of these swings and can intervene with either drug treatment or psychotherapy.

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