Correlation Between Depression And Cognitive Impairment Among Elderly In South India

Abstract

Background: Depression and cognitive impairment often coexist in older adults. The relation between depression and cognitive impairment is complex. Patients with depressive disorder often report forgetfulness along with typical symptoms of depression.

Aim: To find out the relationship between depression and Cognitive Impairment among Elderly.

Methodology: A correlational study was conducted in five selected old age homes in Chennai.  Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Ethics Review Board. Formal permission was obtained from the Incharge of old age home, Chengalpet District. Prior to data collection written informed consent obtained from the elderly. A total of 252 elderly were screened for cognitive impairment using Montreal Cognitive Assessment tool and depression by using Geriatric Depression scale.

Results: 87% (220) of elderly had cognitive impairment in which 16.8% had mild CI, 62.2% had moderate CI and 21% had severe CI.  27(12.2%), 147(66.8%), 46(21%) of elderly had mild, moderate and severe depression. Results also revealed that there is a weak positive correlation between depression and cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Elderly with cognitive impairment and depression has to be identified at the earliest and providing prompt interventions will prevent future psychiatric illnesses