DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS AND GERIATRIC CHARACTERISTICS IN DEMENTIA PATIENTS AT NATIONAL GERIATRIC HOSPITAL

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of depression symptoms and geriatric characteristics of dementia patients. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 87 dementia patients ≥ 60 years old at the Outpatient Department, National Geriatric Hospital. Data were collected using designed tools, including general information, Health-related Quality of Life (HRQoL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs), Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), Mini Nutrition Assessment Short Form (MNA-SF). Depressive symptoms were diagnosed by the Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9). Results: A total number of 87 patients were recruited for the study. The mean age was 76.84 years old. Moderate dementia had the highest rate with 43.7%. The remaining levels of mild dementia and severe dementia were 34.5% and 20.7%, respectively. The prevalence of having depressive symptoms was 43.7%. The symptom that occurred the most on all days was "Trouble falling or staying asleep or sleeping too much" at 32.2%. Low quality of life accounted for the highest number of 38 people (43.7%). Conclusion: The prevalence of having depressive symptoms in dementia patients was respectively high at 43.7%. Early screening for depressive symptoms of dementia patients is essential and should be considered for application in comprehensive geriatric assessment.