The association between depression and dementia and gender differences among older adults Cover Image

The association between depression and dementia and gender differences among older adults
The association between depression and dementia and gender differences among older adults

Author(s): Laura Rodica Giurgiu, Mariana Floricica Călin
Subject(s): Psychology, Theology and Religion, Religion and science
Published by: EDIS- Publishing Institution of the University of Zilina
Keywords: depression; psychopathology; dementia; elderly; stress;

Summary/Abstract: The psychopathology of the elderly is not approached to an appropriate extent in the psychological research in Romania, despite the fact that the emergence of specific symptoms (first signs of depression and even dementia) occurs at an early age (in people just over 50 years old). This phenomenon leads to a drastic decline of the quality of life of those individuals, and accelerates their disengagement from professional and social positions and roles. In our research, we aim to highlight the correlations between depression and dementia on a sample of 100 third-age individuals, processing the data from applying MMSE- 2 (Mini-Mental State Examination) and MADRS (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale). Our results confirmed the positive correlations between depression and dementia, and also the fact that women experience a higher level of depression compared to men. Our findings are in trend with those of longitudinal studies, which included large-scale participants, as a result of increasing interest in gerontopsychology issues at international level.

  • Issue Year: 4/2017
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 50-60
  • Page Count: 10
  • Language: English