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Predictors of depression among older adults with dementia

University of Toledo, USA, Jason.Stroud{at}utoledo.edu

Victoria Steiner

University of Toledo, USA, Victoria.Steiner{at}utoledo.edu

Cletus Iwuagwu

University of Toledo, USA, Cletus.Iwuagwu{at}utoledo.edu

Dementia and depression are common disorders among elderly populations. Their frequent co-morbidity and similar presentations create a complex clinical scenario for the health care professional. The objective of this study was to determine common characteristics of older adults with dementia that were associated with depression. Data from a retrospective chart review of 242 patients visiting an outpatient geriatric clinic were analyzed to determine the potential relationship between depression and several social- and health-related variables. Results from regression analysis show that taking greater numbers of medications and living in a less independent environment were both associated with greater depression, while using alcohol was associated with less depression. This information could be easily obtained during an office visit and used to help identify patients who suffer from dementia and are at risk for depression and require further evaluation.

Key Words: alcohol use • geriatrics • medication use

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