Depression and chronic diseases in the elderly

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Yaeko Ozaki
Andrea Plácido Borges Sposito
Denise Ribeiro Stort Bueno
Maria Elena Guariento

Resumo

The process of demographic transition in Brazil are underlying challenges related to the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases and the functional disability in the elderly population, and that require new answers and strategies from administrators and health services professionals. Also in this context, we highlight the chronic diseases that can affect the mental health of the elderly, among which is depression. Besides a higher prevalence, when associated with chronic diseases, depression increases morbidity and mortality, causing worsening of quality of life and burdening the health system, in addition to representing a risk factor for the development of several diseases. A review of Brazilian literature with emphasis on epidemiological aspects, diagnosis and association of depression with chronic diseases in the elderly population was conducted.

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Artigos de Revisão