Depresi pada lanjut usia

Margarita M. Maramis

Abstract


and significantly decreases quality of life in older adults. Depression is perceived as part of accelerated aging. Depressed individuals have a higher risk to get various diseases of aging. So that depressed elderly patients often have chronic comorbid conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, coronary artery disease, cancer, asthma and cognitive impairment and dementia. The impact of late-life depression on mortality, morbidity, and function as well as service utilization is well known.
Differential diagnosis of depression in late-life are dementia, delirium or behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), and often as comorbidity in depression.
Depression in late life should be treated as early as possible. The important to treat are avoid the progression of depression and other medical comorbidity. Selection of antidepressant medication should be based on the best side effect profile and the lowest risk of drugs interaction. Add-on treatments including other drugs and psychotherapy can be applied. Involving the caregiver and families in the treatment process is a key to reach optimal outcome.

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DOI: https://doi.org/10.33508/jwm.v2i1.1650