Abstract

Background: Dementia and depression are major mental health concerns for the elderly, with significant implications for public health in the future. These conditions are associated with increased morbidity, healthcare utilization, and mortality. Early detection and treatment are crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of dementia and depression in the elderly. Therefore, large-scale screening is an important initial step in addressing these challenges.

Methods: Individuals aged  65 were screened for cognitive decline and depression in a university hospital outpatient department using the Ascertain Dementia 8 Questionnaire (AD8) and five-item Brief Symptom Rating Scale (BSRS-5), respectively.

Results: A total of 3,079 elderly individuals completed both the AD8 and BSRS-5 assessments. The prevalence rates of cognitive impairment and depression were 28.2% and 15%, respectively. Notably, 7.2% of the participants tested positive on both AD8 and BSRS-5. Females scored higher on AD8 (p = 0.01) and BSRS-5 (p < 0.0001) than males. AD8 scores peaked in the ≥ 85 age group, while BSRS-5 scores were highest in the 75–84 group but declined with age.

Conclusion: The high ratio of suspected dementia and depression among elderly outpatients underscores the need for routine, integrated mental health screening in this population. Given the significant clinical overlap — where  depression can mimic or exacerbate cognitive impairment — implementing dual screening protocols in outpatient settings can facilitate timely differentiation and tailored interventions. These findings support the incorporation of combined cognitive and mood assessments into standard geriatric care to enhance early detection and improve treatment outcomes.