Depressão, défice cognitivo e suporte social no idoso

Abstract

This study aims to study the relationship between depression, cognitive impairment and social support. This is a correlational and cross. All seniors in the sample enjoyed home support technical professional. The instruments used were: “Mini-Mental State Examination” (Folstein, Folsteis & McHugh, 1975), “Geriatric Depression Scale” (Yesavage et al, 1983) and “Satisfaction Scale Social Support” (Ribeiro, 1999). Results showed that there is a positive relationship between depression and cognitive impairment, the greater the cognitive impairment, the greater the depressive symptoms. It was also found that the higher overall satisfaction whit friends, intimacy and satisfaction with family, the lower depressive symptoms. Verified yet, it is women who have high levels of depressive symptoms and, that men who are experiencing greater satisfaction whit friends. Another result shows that the illiterate are showing levels higher depressive symptoms and who are not illiterate that record a better mental state. Results of the present study revealed the importance of the need for intervention at the level of psychological variables in the elderly.

Date of Award	28 Feb 2013
Original language	Portuguese
Awarding Institution	Universidade Católica Portuguesa
Supervisor	Eleonora C. V. Costa (Supervisor)