Journal of Aging and Geriatric Psychiatry

All submissions of the EM system will be redirected to Online Manuscript Submission System. Authors are requested to submit articles directly to Online Manuscript Submission System of respective journal.
Reach Us +1 (629)348-3199

Editorial - Journal of Aging and Geriatric Psychiatry (2025) Volume 9, Issue 1

Aging & depression: Integrated care and support

Samuel O. Adeyemi*

Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, University of Tokyo

*Corresponding Author:
Samuel O. Adeyemi
Department of Geriatric Psychiatry
University of Tokyo.
E-mail: samuel.adeyemi@unilag.edu.ng

Received : 02-Feb-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGP-25-184; Editor assigned : 04-Feb-2025, PreQC No. AAAGP-25-184(PQ); Reviewed : 24-Feb-2025, QC No AAAGP-25-184; Revised : 05-Mar-2025, Manuscript No. AAAGP-25-184(R); Published : 14-Mar-2025 , DOI : 10.35841/aaagp-9.1.184

Citation: Adeyemi SO. Aging & depression: Integrated care and suppor. J Age Geriat Psych. 2025;09(01):184.

Visit for more related articles at Journal of Aging and Geriatric Psychiatry

Introduction

Depression in older adults is prevalent and complex, requiring a multidisciplinary approach due to co-occurring physical health issues and cognitive decline. Integrated care models are essential for holistic patient needs [1].

Early and accurate diagnosis is critical, as symptoms often hide behind physical ailments or cognitive changes. Effective screening tools and personalized management strategies, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions, are vital for optimal outcomes [2].

Non-pharmacological interventions like psychotherapy, exercise, and brain stimulation offer promising alternatives or adjuncts to medication for late-life depression. These are valuable for those with contraindications or preferences against antidepressants [3].

The intricate link between depression and cognitive impairment is bidirectional: depression can be a risk factor for and a consequence of cognitive decline. Addressing depressive symptoms may mitigate cognitive decline and improve mental well-being [4].

Chronic physical illnesses significantly increase depression risk and severity, while depression can exacerbate physical health outcomes. This underscores the need for integrated care models addressing both mental and physical health [5].

Social isolation and profound loneliness are significant contributors to depressive symptoms in older adults. Community-based interventions and social support programs are crucial to mitigate their impact and improve mental health outcomes [6].

Among psychological interventions, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) are particularly effective for depression in older adults. These non-pharmacological options improve mental health outcomes and enhance quality of life [7].

Identifying crucial risk factors for suicide among older adults with depression—including previous attempts, severe depression, physical illness, and social isolation—is paramount. Comprehensive screening and targeted interventions are urgently needed to prevent tragic outcomes [8].

Evaluation of screening tools for depression in primary care reveals reliable instruments that improve early detection. This facilitates timely intervention and better management, enhancing patient outcomes in this vulnerable population [9].

Finally, the bidirectional relationship between inflammation and depression identifies elevated inflammatory markers as potential biomarkers and contributors to late-life depression, suggesting new avenues for targeted interventions [10].

 

Conclusion

Depression in older adults is a complex and prevalent condition, demanding a multidisciplinary approach due to its frequent co-occurrence with physical health issues and cognitive decline [C001, C005]. Early and accurate diagnosis is critical, as symptoms can be masked by other conditions, necessitating effective screening tools and personalized management strategies [C002, C009]. Various treatment avenues exist, including pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) [C002, C007], and non-pharmacological interventions such as exercise and brain stimulation, offering alternatives or adjuncts to medication [C003]. The relationship between depression and cognitive impairment is intricate, with depression acting as both a risk factor and a consequence of cognitive decline [C004]. Chronic physical illnesses significantly increase depression risk and severity, while depression can exacerbate physical health outcomes, underscoring the need for integrated care [C005]. Social factors like isolation and loneliness are major contributors to depressive symptoms, highlighting the importance of community-based interventions [C006]. Furthermore, inflammation is recognized as a potential biomarker and contributor to late-life depression, suggesting new targets for intervention [C010]. Identifying risk factors for suicide, such as previous attempts and severe depression, is crucial for targeted prevention [C008]. This body of research collectively advocates for integrated care models addressing both mental and physical health, emphasizing early detection, personalized treatment, and social support to improve mental well-being and mitigate severe outcomes in older adults.

References

    1. Mohammed NSA, Said PA, Mariam MA. Depression in older adults: A comprehensive review of current evidence.. J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol. 2023;36(6):503-511.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Wajid SK, Ramsha K, Umair A. Early Diagnosis and Management of Geriatric Depression: A Narrative Review.. Cureus. 2022;14(4):e24157.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Nicole QL, Mei KKL, Esther ST. Nonpharmacological Treatment for Late-Life Depression: A Systematic Review.. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2021;69(6):1612-1628.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Sujin K, Da KP, Bora L. The relationship between depression and cognitive function in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. J Affect Disord. 2020;268(N/A):74-83.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Xiaohua L, Huijun L, Jianmin X. Comorbidity of depression and physical diseases in older adults: A systematic review.. J Affect Disord. 2023;326(N/A):168-176.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Pervez AA, Abdul HK, Karim K. Association of social isolation and loneliness with depression in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. BMC Geriatr. 2022;22(1):921.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Hong QD, Yu HY, Yi LL. Psychological interventions for depression in older people: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.. J Affect Disord. 2019;257(N/A):669-680.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Jun W, Ke M, Xiaoping H. Risk factors for suicide in older adults with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. J Affect Disord. 2021;293(N/A):110-120.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Bingxue L, Rui W, Shuai L. Screening for depression in older adults in primary care: a systematic review and meta-analysis.. BMC Geriatr. 2020;20(1):198.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

    1. Hyo MK, Su JL, Jun SL. Inflammation and depression in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis.. J Affect Disord. 2022;307(N/A):115-125.

Indexed at, Google Scholar, Crossref

Get the App