A DEPRESSÃO COMO FATOR DESENCADEANTE DA DOENÇA DE ALZHEIMER EM IDOSOS

This paper aims to present, in a contextualized manner, how depression and Alzheimer’s disease can affect the quality of life of older adults. It is based on bibliographic research, in which data were sourced electronically from scientific articles available on the SCIELO platform and the Brazilian Ministry of Health’s website. In examining the impact on quality of life among people who reach old age, it was necessary to address aspects of Depressive Disorder and Alzheimer’s-type Dementia, and how these can affect individuals in this age group, that is, from 60 years of age onwards. To evaluate how depression can trigger or aggravate a case of dementia, it was also essential to discuss preventive and identification measures aimed at improving the quality of life of these individuals, as well as the forms of interdisciplinary treatment available for such cases. Therefore, based on the data provided, it is clear that understanding the challenges faced by people reaching this stage of life is of utmost relevance, as well as improving their well-being.