Psychiatr. pro Praxi, 2007; 8(5): 198-200

Depression in the elderly - biological and psychosocial influence, relation of depression and dementia

doc. MUDr. Roman Jirák CSc
Psychiatrická klinika 1. LF UK a VFN Praha

Depression is one of the most frequent mental disorders of the elderly (together with dementia, delirium, drug addiction). In the article biological influences that share responsibility for occurrence of depression in the elderly are discussed, e.g. total decrease of formation and release of neurotransmitters. Theories why some depression transfers to dementia (most frequently Alzheimer disease) are also discussed. The most important psychosocial influences leading to depression in the elderly, e. g. loneliness, loss of feeling of self-importance and etc are discussed. The diagnosis of depression in the elderly is mentioned from the point of view of differential diagnosis of depression and dementia.

Keywords: antidepressives, depression, dementia, neurotransmitters, old age, biological influences, psychological influences

Published: November 1, 2007  Show citation

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Jirák R. Depression in the elderly - biological and psychosocial influence, relation of depression and dementia. Psychiatr. praxi. 2007;8(5):198-200.
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