Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Impairment in Older Users of Community Home Care Services in Low-Resource Settings: A Real-World Clinical Study [Geo-CoDe Study]
Source abstract
Abstract
Background: Depressive symptoms and cognitive decline are common in older adults. The aims of this study were (i) to assess the frequency of depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment in users of municipal home care services and (ii) to explore factors that may pertain to seeking in-depth neuropsychiatric diagnostic workup, if recommended. Methods: The study was mainly conducted in low-resource areas of south-western Greece. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15), the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) were employed. The study included the tracking of whether participants sought medical consultation within 12 months after receiving the recommendation for further neuropsychiatric diagnostic workup. Results: The study encompassed 406 individuals. Cognitive deficits were detected in 312 (76.84%) study participants, of whom only 82 (26.28%) had received the diagnosis of a mental or neurological disorder. Depressive symptoms were detected in 236 (58.27%) individuals, of whom only 18 (4%) had received the diagnosis of a mental or neurological disorder. Only just over a third of individuals consulted physicians. Reluctance towards in-depth neuropsychiatric workup mainly derived from a lack of insight and fears related to COVID-19. Previously diagnosed neuropsychiatric disorders slightly correlated with the decision to consult a physician. Conclusions: Developing pragmatic cognitive and mental healthcare services to address the needs of older people with disabling chronic disorders who live in low-resource settings is urgently needed.
Source: crossref · Quality: baseline
Research context
OpenAlex topics: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research · Geriatric Care and Nursing Homes · Health disparities and outcomes
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Mental Health Services, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
Dementia Trials Ireland, Trinity College Dublin, St. James’s University Hospital Dublin, James Street, D08 NHY1 Dublin, Ireland
Department of Computer Engineering & Informatics, School of Engineering, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece
Department of Informatics and Telecommunications, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimiopolis, 15784 Athens, Greece
6th Regional Health Authority of Peloponnese, Ionian Islands, Epirus and Western Greece, Ypatis 1& N.E.O Patron—Athinon 24, 26441 Patras, Greece
Department of Public Health, School of Health Sciences, University of Patras, 26500 Patras, Greece
Global Brain Health Institute, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, The University of Dublin, Lloyd Building Trinity College Dublin, Dublin D02 R123, Ireland
Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Ismaninger Str. 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
Patras Dementia Day Care Centre, Fanariou St. 25, 26226 Patras, Greece
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