ABSTRACT
Late-life depression is a major contender in the battle to achieve successful aging. Epidemiologic studies estimate the prevalence of major depression at 2-7% in community-dwelling older adults.1,2
Additionally, 15-30% of community-dwelling older adults report depressive symptoms or a notably depressed mood. Among older adults in the acute care setting, the prevalence of major depression ranges from 30 to 45%. Within the nursing home setting, major depression occurs in 15-25% of residents.3 Available data indicate a significant increase in morbidity, functional disability, and mortality associated with depression, especially in the frail older adult.4-6 Efficient screening and early clinical recognition are critical to improving the prognosis of adults with late-life depression. However, the prompt initiation of the correct therapeutic strategy maximizes the potential for complete recovery. Current evidence indicates that depression is often undertreated in the older adult.7-9 The incidence of initiation of pharmacotherapy is less than 1.5% each year, with older depressed men being half as likely to be treated with antidepressants as women.10
