Research proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Research proposal - Essay Example The objective of this study is to determine the set of risk factors existent between depression and falls and the relationship between anti-depressant drug use and falls among the elderly with depression. The second aim of this study is to determine a set of risk factors (cognitive function, walking speed, limited ADL function, psychological status and living conditions) that predict depression and fall among the elderly in society. Depression and falls are two common conditions that result in the elderly being taken to the hospital. These conditions impair the health of older people (Biderman, Cwikel, Friend, & Galinsky, 2002, p. 631). The specific aim of this study is to determine a set of risk factors (cognitive function, walking speed, impaired activities of daily living function, psychological status and fear of falling) that predict depression and falls among the elderly in society. A further aim of this research is to determine the associations between antidepressant medicines and falls. Many older adults are threatened by frequent falls and, as a result, their injuries reduce their independence and freedom. This student believes that the more knowledge we have about risk factors for falls among the elderly, the better we can care for them, resulting in fewer falls and injuries in the future. Since the elderly often refuse to accept the fact that they are depressed, this condition often goes untreated or undertreated. â€Å"Both conditions are relatively undiagnosed and undertreated in the primary care† (Biderman, Cwikel, Friend, & Galinsky, 2002, p. 632). Studies have shown that both depression and falls are conditions that impair the health of the elderly. In addition, symptoms of depression are found to be common in older people and are associated with an increased risk of falls (Kwan, Lin, Close, & Lord, 2011, p. 612). Falls are