Objective: This study aimed to determine the depression and cognitive disorders of the elderly and identify the potent factors influencing these conditions.

Material and Method: The study involved face-to-face interviews with 186 elderly aged >65 at their homes. These elderly could be reached among 208 people who were enrolled at old age care center, which provides service under the Ministry of Family and Social Policies. Standardised mini–mental state examination and geriatric depression scale were applied to each person, and data were collected between October and December 2013.

Results: The depression rate was 12.9%, the cognitive disorders rate was 30.1%. Although cognitive disorders was high in elderly who had less education and income, who were single or widowers, who had never worked in their lifetime, and who previously underwent head trauma. The rate of depression was high in those who had a low educational level, a chronic illness, and no daily occupation. Elderly with depression also had high rates of cognitive disorders.

Conclusion: Integration of screening programs with institutions that provide primary healthcare service for early diagnosis and treatment of cognitive disorders and depression among old people, increasing the number of institutions established for the prevention of old people’s isolation, and improving their areas of interest are important factors.

Geriatric psychiatry Depression Cognitive dysfunction Risk factors