Publication details
Prevalence and cofactors of depression in seniors living in their own environment
| Authors | |
|---|---|
| Year of publication | 2011 |
| Type | Article in Periodical |
| Magazine / Source | Kuprevich Gerontological Journal |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Field | Other specializations of internal medicine |
| Keywords | Depression in seniors; Geriatric functional assessment; Depression scale; Drug use; Seniors in their own environment |
| Description | Prevalence and cofactors of depression in seniors living in their own environment. Words of caution in relation to insufficient diagnoses and treatment of depression in seniors have become more frequent over the last years; the prevalence of depression is estimated to be around 15 % in seniors living in their own environment and 30 % in seniors living in institutions. Furthermore, negative consequences of long-term untreated depression on the overall health status of seniors have been repeatedly reported. The aim of our research was to ascertain the current situation in the detection of depression in an ordinary senior population and to ascertain the effect of depression on the seniors’ health and functional status. Patient sample and methods. The patient sample was comprised of 161 seniors over 65 years of age, living in their own environment and being in the care of general practitioners and geriatricians. These patients were assessed using geriatric functional assessment tests and the core laboratory assessments battery. We analysed the prevalence of both diagnosed and undiagnosed depression and compared the overall health and functional status of seniors with and without depression. Results. Depression was diagnosed in 30 (18.6 %) seniors in the sample researched; only 4 (2.5 %) were treated. Seniors with depression had a significantly lower cognitive performance (Mini Mental-state Examination test - MMSE), significantly worse results of the self-sufficiency test (Activities of Daily Living - ADL, Instrumental ADL Scale - IADL), used a higher number of drugs, and had a higher number of diagnoses for which they were treated. Conclusions. 1. Depression in an ordinary senior population is underdiagnosed and thus insufficiently treated. 2. Untreated depression significantly worsens the health status prognosis of seniors and their self-sufficiency. 3. Patients with untreated depression tend significantly towards a higher consumption of health care. 4. It is necessary in routine practice to actively search for seniors with depression and to manage their depression. |