Depression in Institutionalized Dementia Patients and It's Influence on the Quality of Life

Depression, alienation and decreased functional competence can influence the QoL of patients with dementia. The aims of this study are to investigate the prevalence of depression in institutionalized dementia patients and its influence on the QoL. A cross-sectional survey involving 111 dementia patients aged 60 and above was carried out using the Short Mini Mental State Examination, EUROPE Health Interview Survey-Quality of Life and Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia. There was no evidence to suggest that depression is a key predictor for better QoLin dementia patients. Interactions of various factors need to be acknowledged and considered in improving the QoL of dementia patientsin Malaysia.