12 August 2008
The Mental Health Foundation today welcomed the new report from Age Concern, “Undiagnosed, untreated, at risk”, which sets out a three point plan to improve the lives of older people with depression.
Depression affects 1 in 5 people over the age of 65 living in the community and 2 in 5 living in care homes.
Simon Lawton-Smith, Head of Policy at the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“This report highlights the high level of undiagnosed depression among older people alongside the lack of effective treatments being offered to them. It is unacceptable that older people living in the UK are being denied such vital help, and that opportunities to prevent them becoming depressed are being ignored.”
The Foundation warned that the Government’s welcome consultation on a national dementia strategy should not allow the issue of depression among older people to be sidelined.
Simon Lawton-Smith added:
“As well as improving diagnosis and treatment in primary care, more needs to be done to promote the simple activities that many older people can do for themselves to stay mentally healthy, such as exercise, volunteering, and joining local clubs.”
Note to editors
For more information telephone the press office team on 020 7803 1126/1128.
The Mental Health Foundation uses research and practical projects to help people survive, recover from and prevent mental health problems
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