Exercise for the elderly population experiencing late-life depression has modest benefits. Despite needing more research, the proposed benefits are improved mechanism of biochemical effects on neurotrophic factors, the serotonin transporter system, and neuroprotective effects on areas including the hippocampal frontal lobes and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis. 

Skidmore College

- Late-life depression impacts 3.0-4.5% of adults over 65 in the U.S. 
- Depressed elderly suffer from normal cognitive aging to mild to major neurocognitive disorders. 


Depression Amongst the Elderly

Wang, S., &amp; Blazer, D. G. (2015). Depression and cognition in the elderly. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 11(1), 331–360. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-clinpsy-032814-112828 

Depression and cognition in the elderly. Annual Review of Clinical Psychology,

1. Obtain patients’ histories from themselves and their caretakers.
2. For diagnosing more complex cases, patients should be seen longitudinally. 
3. Understanding that there is a possibility of substance use being the leading cause for symptoms. 

Diagnosing Depression amongst the Elderly 

Illness, cognitive impairment, and depression can be bidirectional. 

Depression: Bidirectional interactions

Diseases affecting organ systems, such as chronic renal failure, are tied to depression and cognitive impairments in memory, attention, processing speed, and executive functions. 

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