Late-life depression with comorbid cognitive impairment and disability: nonpharmacological interventions

Clin Interv Aging. 2010 Nov 15:5:323-31. doi: 10.2147/CIA.S9088.

Abstract

Less than half of older adults with depression achieve remission with antidepressant medications, and rates of remission are even poorer for those with comorbid conditions. Psychosocial interventions have been effective in treating geriatric depression, either alone or better yet, in combination with antidepressant medications. Traditional strategies for nonpharmacological treatment of late-life depression do not specifically address the co-occurring cognitive impairment and disability that is prevalent in this population. Newer therapies are recognizing the need to simultaneously direct treatment efforts in late-life depression towards the triad of depressive symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, and functional disability that is so often found in geriatric depression, and this comprehensive approach holds promise for improved treatment outcomes.

Keywords: dementia; functional impairment; geriatric depression; psychotherapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / psychology
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Caregivers / psychology
  • Cognition Disorders / drug therapy
  • Cognition Disorders / epidemiology*
  • Cognition Disorders / therapy*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
  • Comorbidity
  • Depression / drug therapy
  • Depression / epidemiology*
  • Depression / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents