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High incidence of clinically relevant depressive symptoms in vulnerable persons of 75 years or older living in the community
- Authors:
- DOZEMAN Els, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 14(7), September 2010, pp.828-833.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Incidence rates of depressive symptoms and their predictors were examined in a vulnerable elderly population. In a community-based cohort, 651 vulnerable elderly people aged 75 and over were identified by means of the COOP-WONCA charts (Dartmouth Coop Functional Health Assessment Charts/World Organisation of Family Doctors). To study the incidence of clinically relevant symptoms of depression and their predictors, 266 people with no symptoms were selected and measured again for clinical relevant symptoms of depression at 6 and 18 months. Logistic regression analyses were applied to determine risk indicators. The results showed that after 18 months 48% of the elderly people had developed clinically relevant symptoms of depression. No specific risk factors were identified within this population. The article concludes that the incidence of depressive symptoms identified in the study were considerably higher than those previously found in elderly populations living in the community. A vulnerable health status is associated with a high risk of depressive symptoms.
How older persons explain why they became victims of abuse
- Authors:
- MYSYUK Yuliya, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Age and Ageing, 45(5), 2016, pp.96-702.
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
Background: Elder abuse greatly impacts the quality of life of older individuals. Prevalence rates range from 3 to 30% depending on the definition used. Only about a dozen studies have explored how older victims themselves experience and explain abuse. It is essential that healthcare professionals understand the perceptions of older victims as they are among the most important groups to handle and report abuse. Design: A qualitative study on the perceptions and experiences of victims of elder abuse was conducted using in-depth semi-structured interviews. Setting: Abused individuals living independently, in residential care facilities and nursing homes. Subjects: six males and 11 females aged 63–90 years. Results: The main causes of abuse identified by older victims themselves were mutual dependency between victim and perpetrator, power and control imbalances, loneliness and a marginalised social position of older persons. Effects of abuse included negative feelings, physical and psychological distress, a change of personal norms and values, changed perspectives on money and low self-efficacy. These differential effects depended upon the types of abuse experienced and the relationship with the perpetrator. Coping strategies mentioned by victims were seeking informal or professional help and using self-help strategies. Conclusion: Older victims perceive abuse differently depending on the expected acceptability of the type(s) of abuse experienced and the anticipated stigma associated with the perpetrator involved. The effects and chosen coping strategies are influenced by these considerations and therewith also influence their help-seeking behaviour. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to use these findings in practice to prevent, detect and intervene in elder abuse. (Publisher abstract)
Depression and risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Results of two prospective community-based studies in the Netherlands
- Authors:
- GEERLINGS M.I., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Psychiatry, 176, June 2000, pp.568-575.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
Investigates whether depressed elderly people with normal cognition are at increased risk of cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease. Results found that in the two independent samples of older people used, depression was associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive decline, but only in subjects with higher levels of education
Precious memories: a randomized controlled trial on the effects of an autobiographical memory intervention delivered by trained volunteers in residential care homes
- Authors:
- WESTERHO Gerben J., et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 22(11), 2018, pp.1494-1501.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: This study assesses the effects of an autobiographical memory intervention on the prevention and reduction of depressive symptoms in older persons in residential care. Trained volunteers delivered the intervention. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was carried out with depressive symptoms as the primary outcome. The experimental condition received the intervention Precious Memories one-on-one, whereas the control condition had individual unstructured contacts with a volunteer. Participants were 86 older persons living in residential care. There were three measurements: pre-intervention, post-intervention (2 months after the first measurement), and follow-up (8 months after the first measurement). Besides depressive symptoms, the retrieval of specific positive memories was measured as a process variable. Anxiety, loneliness, well-being, and mastery were assessed as secondary outcomes. Results: Depressive symptoms improved equally in the intervention and the control condition at post-measurement. Participants with clinically relevant depressive symptoms also maintained the effects at follow-up in both conditions. The retrieval of specific positive memories improved more in the autobiographical memory intervention, although this was not maintained at follow-up. Anxiety and loneliness improved equally well in both conditions, but no effects were found for well-being or mastery. Conclusion: It is concluded that volunteers can deliver the intervention and contribute to the mental health of this highly vulnerable group of older adults. (Edited publisher abstract)