Fakultas Kedokteran Universitas Widya Mandala Surabaya
Abstract
Depression is perhaps the most frequent cause of emotional suffering in later life
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, metobolic syndrome, cotonary artery
disease, concer asthma and cognitive impairment and dementia. The impait of latelife
depression on mortality, morbidity, and.function as well as service utilization
is well lonwn.
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.
Kqnoor
