Depression levels and their relationship to autobiographical memory in older adults

The older adult population is vulnerable to emotional disturbances that may be associated with cognitive impairment, specifically in the area of memory. In this study, was investigated if there was an association between depression and autobiographical memory in older adults. This research had a quantitative approach, correlational type and cross-sectional study. It was conducted in Ecuador in Centers for Integral Care of the Elderly (CLAM) in Tungurahua-Ecuador. The population consisted of 72 older adults (49 women and 23 men). The Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale and the Williams and Broadbent Autobiographical Memory Test (AMT) were used. The population analysis showed a high percentage of suffering from depression with 50% of the participants varying between moderate and severe depression. Additionally, it should be highlighted that the other 50% of the studied population did not present depression. The predominant autobiographical memory was the extended memory, followed by the specific memory. A low negative correlation was found between depression's levels and autobiographical memory in older adults. A negative correlation means variables are inversely proportional, in other words, the higher depression's level, the lower degree of autobiographical memories' specificity in older adult and vice versa. Finally, it would be recommended to conduct an intervention-based program promoting positive autobiographical memories evocation of depression treatment.