[Depressive mood and cognitive impairment in results of old age nursing homes]

Depression and cognitive impairment associated with dementia are among the most common psychiatric disorders faced by the elderly population. Compared to the elderly population in general, the prevalence of both depressive and cognitive disorders is usually higher in nursing homes. However, a valid assessment and differentiation of depression and dementia in old people is rather difficult. In our study, we examined the extent and co-occurrence of depression and cognitive impairment in a sample of 380 nursing home residents using psychometric tests and clinical rating scales (Geriatric Depression Scale, Mini-Mental-State-Examination, Global Deterioration Scale). At least 50% of the nursing home residents showed a significant degree of cognitive impairment and depression was found in about 48% of those residents, who could be diagnosed (n = 263). The results indicated that the extent of depression was independent of subjects' age, and gender, and nursing home residence duration, whereas the degree of cognitive impairment was correlated with subject's age. Depressive and cognitive disorders coexisted in 15%-24% of nursing home residents. The frequency of co-occurrence of depressive and cognitive disorders was influenced by assessment methods of cognitive impairment.