COGNITIVE ASSESSMENT AS A DIAGNOSTIC AND INTERVENTION TOOL FOR ELDERLY INDIVIDUALS WITH DEPRESSION: A NARRATIVE REVIEW

Abstract

Population aging is associated with an increased prevalence of depression in the elderly, a condition often accompanied by cognitive impairment that complicates diagnosis and treatment. This narrative review analyzed the current state of the scientific literature on cognitive assessment as a diagnostic and intervention tool for elderly individuals with depression. A systematic search was conducted in the BVS, SciELO, and PubMed databases, using descriptors related to depression in the elderly and cognitive assessment, with filters for publications from the last five years in Portuguese, English, and Spanish. Of the 193 studies initially identified, eight were selected for full analysis. The results showed that screening instruments such as the MMSE and MoCA, although useful for initial assessment, have limited sensitivity and specificity in detecting subtle deficits common in late-life depressive disorders. Comprehensive clinical neuropsychological assessment has proven more effective in differentiating impairments resulting from depression from those related to neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies have validated remote assessment methods such as the TICS-M, T-MoCA, and GDS-30 by telephone, expanding access to screening for cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms in populations with limited access to health services. The conclusion is that cognitive assessment in elderly individuals with depression should be comprehensive, personalized, and regular, allowing for specific interventions to preserve the functionality and quality of life of this population.