Geriatric Depression

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that 10 percent of adults in the U.S. are affected by depression.

However, depression in an aging population carries its own unique set of obstacles. Older adults can be at increased risk of depression due to other health issues and illnesses - 13.5 percent of older adults who require home care and 11.5 percent of older hospital patients are diagnosed with depression. Illness and even natural life changes can also mask symptoms of depression, making it harder to diagnose in an aging patient.

The Marquette Presents Series is a research series on issues of community health from the College of Health Sciences.