DEPRESSION IN COGNITIVE IMPAIRMENT IN THE ELDERLY POPULATION

Abstract

In recent years, more and more information appears in the literature regarding research in the study of the human psyche. Scientists in this field consider depression as a condition that varies in a wide range of mental reactions: from feelings of sadness and sadness to clinical depression, which is considered as a severe mental disorder [1].

Depression is one of the most common mental disorders that occurs in the practice of not only a psychiatrist, but also a neurologist, therapist and other doctors. According to epidemiological studies, the lifetime risk of developing depression is up to 10% in men and up to 20% in women [2, 3, 4].

Cognitive functions are an important and integral part of human consciousness. These include thinking, the ability to concentrate, memory, and others. Experts note that cognitive impairment often accompanies depression.

Symptoms of cognitive disorders, according to the ICD-10 classification, are also criteria for a depressive state. These include difficulty making decisions, attention disorders, psychomotor disorders, etc.

According to statistics, patients with depression often demonstrate cognitive disorders. In particular, a combination of depression and moderate cognitive impairment occurs in 27% of patients, and severe cognitive impairment - in 13% of patients with depression. For comparison: among healthy people, moderate cognitive impairment occurs only in 2% of the population [1-4].

It should also be added that in more than half of depressed patients, cognitive impairment leads to disability. Mostly people in creative professions suffer, as well as representatives of professions where analytical skills are required.