Depression and Aging

The paper aim to review the work in the McAvay's article “Symptoms of Depression in Older Home-Care Patients: Patient and Informant Reports.” and analyse is critically. Depression is a common disorder of people over 65. Population has been accompanied by a dramatic rise in the prevalence of this disorder. Depression appears to be an insidious process that is often misdiagnosed in this population. One of the more daunting challenges for an accurate differential diagnosis in the geriatric population is the degree to which dementia impacts patient complaints. 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.

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.

Depression is characterized by a dysphoric mood or loss of interest in most usual activities and pastimes. In addition, at least four of the following symptoms must be present nearly every day for a period of at least two weeks: (1) modest appetite or significant weight loss, or increased appetite or significant weight gain; (2) insomnia or hypersomnia; (3) psychomotor retardation; (4) loss of energy; (5) feelings of worthlessness, or excessive guilt; (6) complaints or evidence of diminished ability to think or concentrate; (7) recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal ideation, or suicide attempt. Finally, the disorder is not superimposed on either schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, or a paranoid disorder and may not be attributable to any organic mental disorder or uncomplicated bereavement. The elderly depressed have been characterized as being anxious, preoccupied with physical symptoms, ...