The impact of depressive mood and cognitive impairment on quality of life of the elderly.

BACKGROUND: The quality of life (QOL) of the elderly can be influenced by numerous factors. We assessed QOL, cognitive functions, depression and clinical data in elderly aged 65 and over with the aim of analysing factors affecting their QOL. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with elderly over the age of 65, and their QOL, cognitive functions and depressive symptoms were assessed by validated clinical tests and screening tools. RESULTS: The correlation between QOL scales and cognitive tests was not significant. In contrast, the results of depression scales showed significant negative correlation with the scores of the QOL scales. A better QOL was determined by lower age, lack of depressive symptoms, and higher scores in the QOL-AD (Alzheimer's disease) scale. Depressive mood has much more negative impact on the QOL of the elderly than cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated a close correlation between QOL and depressive mood in the elderly. The early detection and effective management of affective and cognitive symptoms in the elderly can not only restore mental health but may also improve their QOL.

[Information and communication technologies in the integrated care of people with dementia]. / Információs és kommunikációs technológiák alkalmazása dementiában szenvedok komplex ellátásában.

Modern information and communication tools have increasingly become an indispensable part of our everyday life. Research data demonstrate that it can be used effectively to preserve and restore health, not just among young people but also among the elderly, as for nowadays the use of the internet is widespread among the elderly, but healthcare applications are less well-known. This supports the significance of our project since it is important to develop and introduce disease-specific healthcare applications. Our preliminary results also indicated that men are less open to these new technologies, so in their case, specific methods are needed to facilitate the use of electronic devices. The high level of internet activity and the interest in information and communication technologies provide a reliable basis for applying these new technologies to the elderly. Thus, based on our research, we can develop a complex model of care based on the bio-psycho-social principles, which can be a significant advance in the prevention and early detection of age-related mental disorders and in alleviating the physical and psychological burdens of people with dementia and their families. Orv Hetil. 2018; 159(24): 965-973.

[Design and development of a new information technology platform for patients with dementia].

AIM: As dementia, including Alzheimer's disease is a major public health issue worldwide, there are many efforts at European level to promote active and healthy ageing. University of Pecs joined the ICT4Life project - supported by the European Union H2020 programme - in 2016. The aim of this three-years project is to improve qualityof- life and autonomy of patients with mild or moderate dementia with developing a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) platform, which may provide help for patients, caregivers and professionals. METHOD: The ICT4Life research is conducted among patients with cognitive decline, their relatives, caregivers, and professionals involved in their care. The needs of the different actors are assessed with semi-structured interviews and clinical scales (cognitive and affective scales, quality-of-life measurements, functionality, caregiver burden), which help to develop a user-friendly, adaptive and personalized platform. RESULT: Using the integrated ICT platform (bio-sensors, smart TV, tablet, mobile, bracelet) may contribute to monitor (physical, psycho-motor and emotional states) elderly with cognitive decline and to provide better and personalized care for them. The platform includes cognitive enhancement with gamification, and focuses also on the decrease of professional and caregiver burden. CONCLUSION: Here we report on the ICT4Life programme, which develops an ICT solution for individuals with early stage cognitive impairment while contributing in a user-friendly way to extending their independence and improve their quality-of-life.