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Article: The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). (Try this: best practices in nursing: care to older adults).
- Article from:
- MedSurg Nursing
- Article date:
- August 1, 2002
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2002 Jannetti Publications, Inc. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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WHY: Depression is common in late life, effecting nearly five million of the 31 million Americans aged 65 and older. Both major and minor depression are reported in 13% of community dwelling older adults, 24% of older medical outpatients and 43% of both acute care and nursing home dwelling older adults. Contrary to popular belief, depression is not a natural part of aging. Depression is often reversible with prompt and appropriate treatment. However, if left untreated, depression may result in the onset of physical, cognitive and social impairment as well as delayed recovery from medical illness and surgery, increased health care utilization and suicide.
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