Cognition and depressive symptoms in older adults in primary care

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the sociodemographic and clinical profile, the prevalence of depressive symptoms and cognitive deficit, as well as the factors associated with these outcomes in older adults receiving care in primary health care. METHODS: An observational, analytical, cross-sectional study conducted with 79 registered individuals in 2024. A sociodemographic and clinical questionnaire, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MEEM), and the short-form Geriatric Depression Scale (EDG-15) were used. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Approved by a Research Ethics Committee. RESULTS: Women (74.7%), individuals aged between 60 and 79 years (77.2%), those with low educational attainment (70.9%), and those with a family income between one and three minimum wages (51.9%) predominated. A high frequency of chronic diseases (81%), physical inactivity (63.3%), and chronic pain (53.2%) was observed. The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 31.6%, while that of cognitive deficit was 22.8%. Depressive symptoms were associated with the presence of chronic pain and cognitive deficit. Cognitive impairment was associated with age equal to or greater than 80 years. CONCLUSIONS: A high prevalence of depressive symptoms and cognitive deficit was identified among individuals receiving care in primary health care. The association between chronic pain, depressive symptoms, and cognitive impairment highlights the need for screening for these conditions and implementing multidimensional interventions aimed at promoting mental health and maintaining the autonomy of older adults.