Depressive symptoms in the entire spectrum of cognitive ageing in Greece: evidence from the Hellenic Longitudinal Investigation of Aging and Diet (HELIAD)

CONCLUSIONS: Since depressive symptoms were detected in almost one in five older adults, healthcare professionals in Greece should safeguard the timely detection and effective treatment of such symptoms and the post-diagnostic care of older adults with depression.Key pointsDepressive symptoms are present in approximately 20% of older adults.More than 10% of older individuals with dementia or mild cognitive impairment report moderate-to-severe depressive symptoms.Female sex, lower education, lower cognitive performance, living in urban areas and treatment with psychotropic medication pertain to more severe depressive symptoms in ageing.Timely detection and effective treatment of depressive symptoms are crucial in the clinical practice of the care of older adults.Further research is needed in order to elucidate the complex relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment in ageing.PMID:38145312 | DOI:10.1080/13651501.2023.2296889
Source: International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Source Type: research