Evidence-Based Practice Guideline: Depression Detection in Older Adults With Dementia

Abstract

Depression and dementia are the two most common psychiatric syndromes in the older adult population. Depression in older adults with and without dementia often goes unrecognized and untreated. The current guideline recommends a three-step procedure that can be used across health care settings to screen for the presence of depressive symptoms. Implementation of the evidence-based guideline requires administration of the Mini-Mental State Examination and either the Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form or Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, depending on level of cognitive functioning. The algorithm provided is designed to be used by nurses, physicians, and social workers for the purpose of depression screening in older adults with dementia. Detection of depression in individuals with dementia is hindered by a lack of a validated, brief screening tool. More research is needed on the use of such screenings among older adults with cognitive impairment.

The impact of Community Services on Geriatric Depression: A ten-year follow-up study

“…Social support from community service is crucial in reducing loneliness and social isolation, both closely associated with depression [36]. Community service also encompasses programs promoting physical and active lifestyles, vital for maintaining elderly physical and mental health [37]. Regular participation in these programs can enhance mood and alleviate depression symptoms [38].…”

"Clinical Trial to Evaluate if Balenine, A Major Component of Whale Meat Extract, Improves Cognitive Function in Subjects with Symptoms of Increasing Forgetfulness"

“…This again suggests that ingesting the capsules or participating in the study were effective for improving the depressive state of subjects. A correlation between cognitive impairment and depression has been reported, wherein it was shown that most patients with dementia also suffer from depression [18][19][20]. From the above, it could be postulated that balenine may improve the depressive state observed in many patients with dementia.…”

Factors associated with depression detection in a New Hampshire mental health outreach program

“…For example, apathy is a common clinical syndrome in persons with dementia; while this does not necessarily indicate depressive symptoms, it can limit engagement and complicate assessment. Similarly, symptoms of disorientation, difficulty concentrating, and memory loss are indicative of both cognitive decline and depression (American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Brown, Raue, & Halpert, 2015; Vieira, Brown, & Raue, 2014). As a result, a counselor might dismiss depressive symptoms in those with cognitive impairment as a symptom of cognitive decline.…”