The Late-Life Depression a Comprehensive Review of Clinical, Pathophysiological, and Therapeutic Considerations

Geriatric depression presents distinct clinical challenges, often manifesting atypically through cognitive decline, somatic symptoms, and apathy rather than classic mood disturbances. This review synthesizes current understanding of its unique pathophysiology - including vascular contributions and frontostriatal dysfunction - and presents evidence to argue the diagnostic pitfalls in applying youth-centric criteria to elderly populations. We examine epidemiological trends, evidence-based treatment considerations, and emerging research directions, emphasizing the urgent need for age-specific diagnostic frameworks and personalized therapeutic approaches to address this underrecognized yet debilitating condition in aging populations.