Abstract
To clarify the link between depressive symptoms and functional impairment among the oldest old longitudinally. Longitudinal data (n = 1,272) were taken from a multicenter prospective cohort study ("Study on Needs, health service use, costs and health-related quality of life in a large sample of oldest-old primary care patients (85+)" [AgeQualiDe]). Functional decline was assessed using the Lawton and Brody Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale, and the Geriatric Depression Scale was used to measure depressive symptoms. While initial increases in depressive symptoms were associated with subsequent increases in functional impairment, initial increases in functional impairment were not associated with subsequent increases in depressive symptoms. Our results stress the relevance of increases in depressive symptoms for upcoming functional decline among the oldest old. Further longitudinal studies are required to replicate our findings.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.