36. True. The risk for suicide is particularly high for older white males who live alone and have a history of alcohol use (Blazer 1990; Salzman, 1984).

37. False. Alcohol is not an effective "mood lifter." It depresses the central nervous system causing or intensifying depression and impairing mental alertness, judgment, memory, and physical coordination (Schmall, Lawson, & Stiehl, 1990).

38. True. Some older people who are depressed will have impaired concentration and memory and will appear more confused than depressed. As a result symptoms of depression are sometimes misdiagnosed as dementia (Sargent, 1986).

39. False. Physical illness can mask depression and depression can mimic physical illness. Many physical illnesses have symptoms similar to those produced by depression, including weakness, fatigue, social withdrawal, and appetite changes. This can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis of a physical illness when depression is the problem (Blazer, 1990).

40. True. A thorough medical examination is an important first step when depression is suspected. Many medications and diseases--such as hypothyroidism and pancreatic cancer--can cause depression (Blazer, 1990).