Faculty Sponsor
Ann Steffen
Final Abstract for URS Program
Although clinical depression is not common in older adults, it creates problems in daily living for those individuals who experience it in later life. Symptoms of depression can differ between younger and older adults; treatment approaches may also need to be modified to account for some of the challenges of aging such as cognitive impairments. Previous research has supported the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for treating late-life depression. The use of jargon and abstract concepts, however, are disadvantageous to those with mild cognitive impairment or neurocognitive disorders. To combat these difficulties, there is a need for therapy materials that provide modifications for use with impaired older adults. This presentation summarizes the authors' contributions to the process of revising a treatment manual: Treating Later-Life Depression: A Cognitive Behavioral Approach (2nd edition) by Oxford University Press. Examples will be provided to demonstrate how therapy materials can be modified to accommodate the needs of depressed older adults with cognitive impairments.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
4-26-2019