DEPRESSION IN ELDERLY PEOPLE

Depression in Elderly People

Abstract

The purpose of this research examines the Cognitive deficits that are related to depression and cognitive deterioration which include social problem solving and empathy in elder individuals. The methodology that has been adopted for performing the research study is the mixed research methodology. The criteria of selection for literature were relevant to the research topic and year of publication. The researcher will analyze the qualitative part of the study using content analysis. For primary research and analysis, research study focused on 40 participants who were diagnosed with Depression, dementia, AZ and other cognitive problems which lead to memory deterioration.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Research Rationale4

Background of the Problem5

Statement of Problem6

Research Aims and Objectives7

Literature Review7

Collection of Literature7

Theoretical Perspective8

Depression and its Effects on Cognitive Function11

Disruptive Behavior among Elderly Patients14

Contemporary Interventions Identified in Elderly Care16

Psycho-social Interventions for Elderly Care17

Psychosocial Support in Elderly Care18

Emotional Support in Elderly Care19

Strengths and Weakness of the Literature20

Interrelationships between Previous Literature and the Proposed Study24

Methodology26

Research Design26

Sampling27

Data Collection27

Analysis28

Validity29

Reliability30

Ethical Considerations31

Informed Consent31

Limitations31

References33

Depression in Elderly People

Introduction

The concept of depression is not unusual, for it is one of the significant medical issues. However, it is necessary to emphasize that depressive symptoms can be a varied in terms of mental and physical symptoms. Some people have episodes of depression throughout their lives; others are experiencing their first episode later in life. Depression can affect anyone at any age. However, it is often overlooked in the elderly because some signs of depression can be confused with signs of aging. Depressed older people rarely ask for help on their own initiative. If left untreated, the disease can last for weeks, months or even years. Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide among the elderly. It is possible that older people do not want to say that they are depressed (Cooper, 1998, 181). They may think that depression is part of the aging process, and they should be able to cope alone. They may be afraid of appearing weak or lazy or lose their independence because others think they can not fend for themselves. Keeping in view the increasing number of depressed elderly population, it is important to analyse the symptoms and causes depression and the medical intervention to reduce it.

Research Rationale

The research is significant because depression is becoming common among the population especially as people become old. It is important to analyze trends and symptoms of illness to devise the appropriate cure and treatment. In old age, attend a number of different factors that may favour depression. The research will facilitate the understanding of the concept of depression and how the elder population is affected by it. It will be a positive addition in medicine and health literature because the elderly population is going through this issue more frequently than before. The analysis and results will help identifying the issue and solutions to improve the medical practice and support the elderly care.

Background of the Problem

In the elderly, it is particularly easy to confuse an agitated depression with anxiety ...