Prevention for the older woman. A practical guide to assessing physical and cognitive function

Life expectancy of women is greater than that of men at every age. Thus, an older woman is more likely than a man to be living without a spouse and living alone. It is important in caring for an older woman to establish how well she is functioning physically and cognitively and in what activities sh...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inGeriatrics Vol. 56; no. 7; p. 24
Main Authors Messinger-Rapport, B J, Thacker, H L
Format Magazine Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.2001
Subjects
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use
Cholinesterase Inhibitors - therapeutic use
Dementia - drug therapy
Dementia - prevention & control
Depressive Disorder - drug therapy
Depressive Disorder - prevention & control
Female
Geriatric Assessment
Humans
Women's Health
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Summary:Life expectancy of women is greater than that of men at every age. Thus, an older woman is more likely than a man to be living without a spouse and living alone. It is important in caring for an older woman to establish how well she is functioning physically and cognitively and in what activities she may need assistance. Given the high prevalence of dementia with advanced age, screening for dementia should be considered in women over age 75. Although their risk of suicide is lower, older women are more likely to be depressed than older men, regardless of race, ethnic background, or economic status. Late-life depression is treatable, and screening should be considered in the presence of a major life change, recent stroke, or MI.
ISSN:0016-867X