Prevalence of Dementia and Depression among Residents of Elderly Nursing Homes in Tehran Province

The aim of this project was to evaluate the prevalence of dementia and depression among residents of elderly nursing homes in Tehran province. 279 literate elderly over the age of 65 years old (135 males, 144 females) were selected through convenient sampling. At the time of the study,in autumn and winter of 1381, the subjects had residence at elderly nursing homes in Tehran province. They were evaluated by Mini-Mental State Examination, Geriatric Depression Scale, and a DSM-IV based clinical interview. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistical methods and chi-square. 43.4% of subjects were afflicted with dementia. 16.8% were diagnosed with mild and 14.7% with major depressive disorders. 10.4% were under treatment with antidepressant medica-tions. There was a significant correlation between dementia and difficulties in movements as well as incontinence; however there was no significant correlation between depression and those two factors.Moreover there was not any significant correlation detected between depression and dura- tion of residence at the nursing homes. Considering the high prevalence of dementia and depression in nursing homes, attending to diagnosis and treatment of these disorders can exert beneficial effects on the resident’s mental health status and quality of life at such centers.