Citation

Adams-Fryatt A. Ann. Longterm Care 2010; 18(11): 30-32.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, HMP Communications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Depression in individuals with dementia is associated with a decreased quality of life, increased healthcare use, and higher mortality rates. The prevalence of clinical depression in elderly long-term care (LTC) residents who have dementia is estimated to be as high as 63%. While actual suicide attempts may be uncommon in LTC facilities, death wishes and feelings of worthlessness are common, and these feelings should never be considered normal. LTC residents with depression who engage in selfharming behaviors, such as refusing food or medical care, may actually be attempting suicide. Although depression in the elderly often remains undiagnosed, prognosis is good when there is prompt recognition and treatment. This article seeks to raise awareness of depression in the elderly, which often presents atypically in this population, and discusses various treatment strategies.

Language: en

Keywords

human; aged; insomnia; psychotherapy; abdominal pain; suicidal ideation; depression; anxiety; suicide attempt; drug overdose; review; fatigue; serotonin; anorexia; weight reduction; citalopram; cognitive defect; tricyclic antidepressant agent; automutilation; headache; anxiety disorder; sleep disorder; noradrenalin; dopamine; electroconvulsive therapy; long term care; drug efficacy; drug tolerability; benzodiazepine; emotional stress; geriatric patient; irritability; cardiovascular disease; apathy; residential care; remission; treatment response; drug dose reduction; memory disorder; nursing home patient