The identification of persons (55-75 yrs) with memory and affective complaints. (WC2010-066)
Background
Starting date: 01/11/2010Memory complaints occur at all ages, but are especially prevalent with increasing age (Ponds et al. 1997). Memory complaints may be associated with objective cognitive decline, possibly due to early dementia, but can also be the consequence of depressed mood or health problems (Comijs et al., 2002). Depression and health-related problems are often treatable. As a consequence it is of importance to determine what the underlying reasons for memory complaints are and to adapt the intervention or treatment accordingly. For example, elderly with depressive symptoms may benefit from evidence-based depression interventions. Persons who experience more than average cognitive decline, but who are not diagnosed with dementia, may benefit from cognitive training. Since older persons make more and more use of the internet, and treatment of both depressive symptoms and cognitive interventions are now possible via the internet, it is possible to provide easily accesible care for persons with memory complaints.