Robert C. Baldwin

Depression affects between 10-15% of older people, making it the most frequently encountered mental health condition in later life. Despite this, the condition is easily missed in clinical practice or not adequately treated. Part of the Oxford Psychiatry Library, this second edition of Depression in Later Life highlights areas of depression which are of special relevance to later life, how to diagnose depression in an older person, the overlap with dementia and various other physical illnesses, and important pharmacological and psychological considerations. All chapters have been updated with new data where relevant, and case vignettes are included to ensure the book is relatable and easy to read.

This book is an education resource for practitioners who in organize services for people with dementia, including psychiatrists, neurologists, physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers and even speech and language therapists. Younger dementia patients do not readily fit into any of the conventional mental health services categories, either for adults of working age or for older adults. Currently, old-age psychiatrists generally lead services for this group. Younger dementia patients require specific skills to address their needs, and those skills are best delivered by a multi-professional team working in a multi-disciplinary way. Younger People with Dementia provides all the information to develop this type of dedicated service and will also be relevant for those who commission mental health services.