To study clinical attributes of early and late onset depression in geriatric population

This cross-sectional study aims to compare the clinical attributes of early-onset depression (EOD) and late-onset depression (LOD) among geriatric patients aged above 60 years attending a rural tertiary care hospital in Wardha. Using ICD-11 diagnostic criteria, the study evaluates differences in sociodemographic profile, severity of depression, and cognitive impairment between the two groups. Depression severity will be assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D), while cognitive functions will be evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). By identifying distinct clinical and cognitive patterns in EOD and LOD, the study seeks to improve diagnostic precision and guide individualized management strategies for geriatric depression in rural India.