A 78-year-old male residing in an assisted living facility is referred for psychiatric evaluation after scoring 12 out of 15 on the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form (GDS-15). Staff report he has become increasingly withdrawn, is refusing to participate in group activities, and has lost 8 pounds over 2 months. He has a history of mild cognitive impairment but is oriented to person, place, and time. He denies feeling depressed but states, 'I just don't see the point anymore.' How should the PMHNP interpret and integrate these assessment findings?