Depression In Older Adults Research Articles

Explaining how a psychosocial intervention (PROACTIVE) based on behavioural activation improved outcomes of depression in older adults living in deprived regions of Brazil: The mediating roles of reduced loneliness and stepped care

BackgroundThe PROACTIVE trial was a task-shared, stepped and collaborative care, psychosocial intervention based on psychoeducation and behavioural activation in 715 older adults (60–94 years; mean (SD) 68·6 (6.9) years; 74·1 % female), that was highly effective at improving recovery from depression among older adults in Brazil. Here we investigate mediators of the intervention's effectiveness. MethodsCausal mediation analysis using interventional indirect effects, simultaneously decomposed the total effect of PROACTIVE on recovery from depression (PHQ-9 < 10) into multiple indirect effects including: dose of intervention (numbers of sessions and activities completed); social support (Luben Social Network Scale); perceived loneliness (UCLA questionnaire); and additional sessions offered to participants who did not respond during the initial phase of the stepped care intervention. ResultsOf the intervention's total effect (difference in probability of recovery from depression between the intervention and control arms 0·216 [bias-corrected 95 % CI: 0·149, 0·291]): 13 % was mediated through reduced loneliness (0·028 [0·013, 0·046]); and 25 % through attending additional sessions for participants who did not initially respond to the intervention (0·055 [0·007, 0·102]). LimitationsDue to limitations in our sample size our study may lack power to detect some nuances such as interactions between different mediators. ConclusionsOur findings emphasise the importance of a home-based intervention to improve depression outcomes where participants are encouraged to self-select activities to mitigate against loneliness. Importantly, our findings suggest that the intervention's stepped-care component offering additional sessions to participants who did not experience an early response shows promise in ensuring a sustained recovery from depression.

Is the diagnosis and treatment of depression gender-biased? Evidence from a population-based aging cohort in Sweden

BackgroundAs compared to men, older women´s higher rates of depression diagnosis and antidepressant use are widely reported. We aimed to: a) explore whether there is a potential gender bias in the clinical diagnosis of depression and antidepressant prescription in an older population from Stockholm; and 2) analyze if such gender bias differs by patients’ age and socioeconomic status.MethodsWe used data from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, SNAC-K (N = 2,941). We compared gender differences in: (a) clinical diagnosis of depression according to the Swedish National Patient Register (ICD-10 codes F32-F34; F412) (“register-based diagnosis”); (b) SNAC-K-based diagnosis of depression, partially gender-blind, using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale (CPRS) and the DSM-IV-TR (“SNAC-K based diagnosis); and (c) antidepressant use (ATC code N06A). To analyze the magnitude of the gender bias in the register-based diagnosis of depression and in antidepressant use, and the role of potential moderating factors, prevalence ratios (PR) were calculated using Poisson regression models. Models were run separately by age and social class.ResultsWomen had a 63% higher probability of having a register-based diagnosis of depression (PR = 1.63[1.23–2.15]) and a 79% higher probability of using antidepressants (PR = 1.79[1.34–2.40]). No gender differences were observed in the SNAC-K-based diagnosis of depression. The gender differences in the register-based diagnosis were narrowed, although remained significant, after considering age, depressive symptoms, and health services use (PR = 1.44[1.10–1.88]), as well as the register-based diagnosis in the case of antidepressant use (PR = 1.31[1.04–1.64]). This gender bias was larger among the younger-old and the most advantaged social class.ConclusionA gender-bias was identified in the diagnosis and treatment of depression in older adults within the Swedish healthcare setting, which could imply that health services may be contributing to the medicalization of women’s mental health. Gender-sensitive clinical and public health interventions are essential to reduce gender disparities in mental healthcare, also in old age.

Psychotherapeutic treatments for depression in older adults.

This is a protocol for a Cochrane Review (intervention). The objectives are as follows: To assess the benefits and harms of psychotherapeutic interventions in the treatment of older adults with depression and whether the effects of different types of psychotherapeutic treatments vary for older adults with depression.

The Relationship Between Spirituality and Depression Levels in the Elderly at Graha Senior Resident Karya Kasih, Medan

Elderly individuals frequently experience declines in biological, psychological, social, and spiritual functioning, particularly those residing in orphanages who encounter considerable psychological challenges such as depression. The objective of this study is to investigate the relationship between spirituality and depression levels within the elderly population at Graha Residen Senior Karya Kasih, Kota Medan. This research employed a correlational design utilizing a cross-sectional approach. The sampling technique used was purposive sampling, with participants selected based on the criteria of being 60 or older and possessing practical communication abilities. A total of 41 respondents participated in the study. The instruments employed included the Daily Spirituality Experience Scale (DSES) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). The study found that 40 participants (97.6%) reported positive spiritual experiences, while nearly half (20 individuals or 48.8%) showed symptoms of depression. Statistical analysis revealed a significant negative relationship between spirituality and depression in older adults, with a Spearman rank p-value of 0.007 and a correlation coefficient of -0.415. In conclusion, higher spirituality is linked to lower depression levels, although depressive symptoms can still be present. The researcher recommends enhancing spirituality and suggests reminiscence therapy as a possible intervention for depression in older adults.

Association of serum total folate and serum vitamin D concentrations with W-shape in depressed older adults with cognitive dysfunction: A cross-sectional observational study

Depression and cognitive dysfunction are prevalent in the elderly population and have a serious impact on patients' quality of life and social functioning. Nutritional factors play a key role in the prevention and management of these disorders, particularly folate and vitamin D. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association between serum total folate and serum vitamin D concentrations and depressive symptoms and cognitive dysfunction in older adults. Using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2014, 2042 participants aged 60 years and older were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and cognitive function was assessed by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease (CERAD) Animal Fluency test and the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Associations between serum total folate and vitamin D concentrations and depression with cognitive dysfunction were analyzed using multivariate logistic regression models, incorporating stratification and sensitivity analyses. For every 1nmol/L increase in serum vitamin D concentration, there was a 1% reduction in the risk of depression in older adults (OR=0.99 95% CI 0.98-0.99). Serum total folate showed a significant W-shaped association with depression with cognitive dysfunction: when serum total folate concentration was below 33.00nmol/L, the risk of depression was reduced by 7.6% for every 1nmol/L increase in its concentration (OR=0.924 95% CI 0.89-0.959); this association was not significant when the concentration was above 33.00nmol/L (OR=1.006 95% CI 0.998-1.013). Adequate levels of vitamin D and folate may help prevent and manage depression and cognitive dysfunction in older adults. The W-shaped association between serum total folate and these conditions suggests that folic acid supplementation could be effective within a specific range, warranting further exploration and validation through clinical studies.

Excess costs of depression among a population-based older adults with chronic diseases in Singapore

BackgroundThere is limited evidence on the economic burden of depression among the older population in Singapore.ObjectiveWe aim to evaluate the impact of depression on healthcare expenditure and productivity loss among older adults with chronic diseases in Singapore.MethodsUsing the data from the Well-being of the Singapore Elderly study (WiSE), a 2011 national representative survey of older adults aged 60 years and above, 2510 respondents were included in this study. The sample comprised 44% male and 56% female respondents with 75% respondents aged between 60 and 74 years old. Healthcare utilisation data was obtained from respondents and healthcare cost was tabulated by multiplying each service unit by the unit cost price. These services include care from polyclinic doctors, private general practitioners (GP), outpatient specialists and inpatient care. We modelled the relationship of healthcare cost and depression using two-part models (probit & generalised linear model - loglink and gamma distribution).ResultsFor total healthcare expenditure, older adults with both depression and chronic diseases were associated with an average annual incremental cost of $7940 (95% CI 1490–14400; p = 0.016), compared to those without these conditions. They were also associated with an average incremental cost of $257 (95% CI 38.7–475; p = 0.021) for primary care. Likewise, in the case of specialist outpatient clinics, they had an average incremental cost of $970 (95% CI 163–1780; p = 0.018). However, for inpatient setting, the average incremental cost of $6180 (95% CI 418–12800; p = 0.066) was not significant. Additionally, older adults with depression and chronic diseases contribute to an annual productivity loss of $676 (95% CI 346–1010; p < 0.001).DiscussionThis study provides evidence that there are significant incremental costs associated with depression amongst the older adults with chronic diseases in Singapore’s primary healthcare setting. The increased somatic presentations among the depressed older adults and the underdiagnosis of depression in primary care may contribute to higher utilisation of healthcare resources which entail higher expenditure. This is one of the first studies to look at the cost of depression using a representative sample of Singaporean older adults and taking into account the multi-ethnic nature of the population. Analyses were restricted to a cross-sectional design, and data relied heavily on the accuracy of self-report utilisation on health care services which was subjected to recall bias.ConclusionDepression was found to inflate the total healthcare expenditure among older adults with chronic disease by two-fold. This study provides evidence that there are significant incremental costs associated with depression among the older adults with chronic diseases, demonstrating a need for more resources to improve systematic and clinical care for depressed older adults with chronic diseases.

Association between masticatory function and depression in older adults: Results from NHANES 2009 to 2018.

Depression is prevalent among older adults. Although the number of missing teeth is considered to be associated with depression, the relationship between masticatory function, which is usually indicated by functional tooth units (FTUs), and depression in older adults remains unclear. This study used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2009-2018. The number of FTUs was defined as pairs of opposing natural and artificial teeth. Depression was accessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and participants who scored ≥10 on PHQ-9 were diagnosed with depression. Logistic regression analyses, propensity score matching (PSM) analyses and subgroup analyses were conducted to assess the association between FTU and depression. The analysis included 5764 individuals over 60 years. An association between FTU and the risk of depression among older adults was detected (odds ratio [OR] = 0.951, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.915-0.989), suggesting protective roles of more FTUs. Significant increase in the risk of depression in 0 ≤ FTUs ≤ 3 was observed compared with 10 ≤ FTUs ≤ 12 (OR = 1.819, 95% CI 1.157-2.858). However, no significant increase in the risk of depression in 4 ≤ FTUs ≤ 9 was found. After PSM, significant increase in the risk of depression in 0 ≤ FTUs ≤ 3 was still detected compared with 4 ≤ FTUs ≤ 12 (OR = 1.484, 95% CI 1.030-2.136). Subgroup analyses demonstrated consistent results in all subgroups, except for individuals aged 76-80 and drinking regularly. The findings suggested the association between impaired masticatory function and the risk of depression among older adults. Longitudinal studies are needed to elucidate the role of masticatory function impairment in the development of depression further.

Comparing the effectiveness of peer-led healthy aging interventions on depression and quality of life in community-dwelling older adults: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Healthy aging has become increasingly important owing to the rapidly growing population of older adults globally, and results from the complex interplay of multiple characteristics such as depression and quality of life. Several countries have included peer-led interventions in their health policies to promote healthy aging. Given the growing evidence for these interventions, determining their comparative effectiveness is vital and warranted. The aim of this study was to examine the relative effectiveness of peer-led interventions on the depression and quality of life of community-dwelling older adults. A systematic review and network meta-analyses were performed. The meta-analysis was performed using random-effects models. Additionally, subgroup, meta-regression, and frequentist network meta-analyses were conducted. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD 42023492659). Twelve studies with depression outcomes and 11 studies with quality-of-life outcomes were included. The effect sizes for depression and quality of life were moderate and small, respectively. For depression, face-to-face interactions and intervention duration were moderating factors. For quality of life, intervention provider was a moderating factor. The combined peer-nurse intervention was shown to have a large effect on quality of life, whereas interventions provided by professionals other than nurses or provided only by peers had a small effect. A ranking analysis found that the most effective intervention for increasing quality of life was the simultaneous involvement of both healthcare professionals and peers. The provision of education and exercise interventions showed a higher ranking than goal setting in the leading group. The peer-led interventions were sufficient for depression. The effectiveness for improving quality of life may increase when involving both peers and healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. Nursing and health policymakers could establish distinct strategies depending on whether the goal of peer-led interventions is to improve quality of life or alleviate depression for older adults.

The mediating role of perceived social support on loneliness and depression in community-dwelling Nepalese older adults

BackgroundLoneliness has been identified as a significant independent predictor of depression among older adults. Social support has been reported to play a protective role against both loneliness and depression in older adults. However, few studies to date have investigated the three constructs concurrently and the mediating role of Perceived Social Support (PSS) on the relationship between loneliness and depression in this age group. The current study aimed to assess the relationship between loneliness and depression among community-dwelling Nepalese older adults based on the mediating role of PSS.MethodsThis descriptive cross-sectional research study included 367 community-dwelling older adults from a randomly selected ward in Kathmandu, Nepal. The University of California, Los Angeles Loneliness Scale, Geriatric Depression Scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support were used. Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and the PROCESS 4.1 macro developed by Hayes with a bootstrapping procedure were used to test the mediating effect of the PSS on the relationship between loneliness and depression.ResultsLoneliness was negatively associated with the PSS (β = -0.405; 95% CI: −0.473, -0.337; P < 0.001), and the PSS was positively associated with depression (β = 0.057; 95% CI: 0.014, 0.099; P = 0.009). The direct effect of loneliness on depression was positive and significant (β = 0.151; 95% CI: 0.117, 0.184; P < 0.001), whereas the indirect effect of loneliness on depression through the PSS was negative (path c; β = -0.023, 95% CI: -0.041, -0.005). The results indicated that the PSS partially mediated the relationship between loneliness and depression.ConclusionThese findings suggest that interventions focusing on reducing loneliness and fostering social support may be able to lessen depressive symptoms in older adults. By addressing these factors, healthcare providers and carers can promote the mental health of older adults.

Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Dance on Cognition and Depression in Healthy Older Adults.

Aging is associated with declines in cognition and mental health that might be ameliorated by physical activity (PA). Dance integrates multiple physical, cognitive, and social elements, and might be an avenue for improving cognition and mood. This systematic review and meta-analysis (SRMA) examined the effects of formal and traditional dance on cognition, depression, and anxiety in older adults. Five database searches yielded 17 randomized control trials (RCT). RCTs were included if participants were ≥ 60 years and healthy or living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). We examined interventions of dance against any comparison group. Records were independently screened, and data were extracted by 2 reviewers. We performed random-effects models using robust variance estimation and tested individual treatment, study, and outcome level moderators using the approximate Hotelling-Zhang test. 17 RCTs were included in the systematic review, but 13 RCTs were included in the meta-analysis which included 1,174 participants with a mean age of 70.7 years, and 66.3% were female. There were 76 effect sizes (Hedges' g) calculated from the 13 RCTs with a range between -0.97 through 2.88. The overall effect of dance interventions on cognition was significant, yet small (g = 0.27; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.50; p = 0.022), and the effect on depression was significant and nearly moderate (g = 0.43; 95% CI: 0.06, 0.80; p = 0.036); only one RCT examined anxiety and was not included. No moderator variables significantly explained variation in the effects of dance on cognitive function or depression (p > 0.05). Dance interventions can improve cognition and depression in older adults. Additional research is needed regarding the effects of dance on anxiety and depression in older adults.

The mediating effect of problem-focused coping on the relationship between emotional clarity and mental health among older adults.

Individuals who can recognize emotions well are better able to identify and accept their feelings and manage them. This study examined the mediation of problem-focused coping in the pathway through which emotional clarity predicts higher life satisfaction and lower depression in older adults. In total, 150 older adults (75 male and 75 female, aged 60-69 years, with a mean of 64.53 [SD = 2.49]) participated in a face-to-face survey, answering questions on emotional clarity, problem-focused coping, life satisfaction, and depression. Emotional clarity was associated with higher life satisfaction and lower depression in older adults. People who were aware of their emotions well were in better emotional condition. Mediation analysis revealed that problem-focused coping mediated the positive relationship between emotional clarity and life satisfaction and the negative relationship between emotional clarity and depression. Older adults who understand their own emotions tend to deal with emotional events in a problem-focused manner, leading to high life satisfaction and low depression. This study identifies cognitive conditions for increasing life satisfaction and preventing depression in later life and offers suggestions for personal and social efforts to maintain mental health.

The effect of diet quality and body mass index on depression in older adults: a growth curve analysis

BackgroundNutrition not only plays an important role in one’s physical health, but also mental health. The causal association between nutrition and mental health remains unclear. While a healthy dietary pattern may protect one against mental illness, it is also possible that poor mental health could lead to unhealthy eating habits or choices. Furthermore, emerging studies suggest that a higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with a lower risk of depressive symptoms in older adults, contrasting the effect observed in other populations. With an ageing population, this study aimed to investigate the long-term impact of a healthy dietary pattern, BMI, and other covariates on depressive symptoms in older adults.MethodsWe conducted a cohort study between 2014 and 2017, with each follow-up assessment being one year apart. A total of 2081 participants above 65 years old (M = 79.65, SD = 7.94) completed the baseline assessment in 2014, which included basic demographics, self-reported eating habits, depressive symptoms, and the measurement of height and weight. Distance to supermarkets and fast food was calculated based on participants’ residential addresses. Two growth models were performed to assess the trajectory of change in depressive symptoms over time.ResultsOlder adults experienced a significant decrease in depressive symptoms over time (intercept = 2.68, p < .001; slope = -0.25, p < .001). At baseline, a higher diet quality (B = -0.95, p < .001), higher BMI (B = -0.09, p < .001), younger age (B = 0.40, p = .001), being a male (B = 0.76, p < .001), and having fewer chronic diseases (B = 0.39, p < .001) were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms. Over time, a higher diet quality (B = 0.14, p = .05), higher BMI (B = 0.02, p = .04), and fewer chronic diseases (B = -0.08, p < .001) predicted lower levels of depressive symptoms over time.ConclusionsA higher diet quality and higher BMI may serve as protective factors for depressive symptoms in older adults. Potential implications are being discussed.

Anemia and Depression in Older Adults: A Longitudinal Cohort Study

ObjectiveTo elucidate the relationship between anemia and depression in older adults. DesignSecondary analysis of a prospective longitudinal cohort study of healthy older adults. SettingCommunity settings in Australia and the United States of America. Participants19,111 community-dwelling adults with a mean age of 75 years. MeasurementsAnemia was classified according to the World Health Organization definition. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression 10-item scale (CES-D-10), with a score ≥ 10 indicating depression. A range of potentially confounding factors, including important characteristics, concomitant medication, medical morbidities, physical function, and functional status were assessed. Depressive symptoms and hemoglobin levels were measured concurrently each year for up to 10 years (median 6 years). The association between anemia and depression was assessed using generalized estimating equations (GEE) with robust variance estimation to handle repeated measures clustered data. ResultsThe odds ratio (OR) for depression in individuals with anemia, adjusted for age, gender, ethnicity, living arrangements, education, smoking status, alcohol consumption, BMI, history of cancer, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, diabetes, gastro-oesophageal reflux disease, polypharmacy, antithrombotic use (including aspirin use), antidepressant use, and antipsychotic use, was 1.18 (95% CI 1.08–1.30). When further adjusted for grip strength, gait speed, and activities of daily living, the OR reduced to 0.94 (95% CI 0.79–1.13). ConclusionsAnemia was not independently associated with depression in older adults after adjusting for physical activity, functional status, and known comorbidities. Functional status may play a mediating role and should be explored further in mediation analysis. The lack of available data on ferritin, vitamin B12 and folate levels for all participants meant that the cause of anemia could not be inferred for all participants.

Tech vs. Tradition: ChatGPT and Mindfulness in Enhancing Older Adults' Emotional Health.

To improve older adults' mental health, this study compared the effects of AI chatbots, such as ChatGPT 3.0, with traditional mindfulness therapies on loneliness and depression in older adults. Despite interest in AI as a complementary tool, empirical evidence on its impact remains limited. For an eight-week intervention, older adult participants from two nursing homes in Hangzhou were assigned to groups focused on mindfulness (group sessions) and chatting (one-on-one ChatGPT). Following the intervention, participants engaged in a researcher-led focus group discussion. After 8 weeks, tension had decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in the Mindfulness group of older adults, and there was no significant difference between the effects of ChatGPT and mindfulness on the emotional intervention of older adults. Findings indicated three themes, including (1) personal experience, reflecting older adults' use of AI technology and mindfulness; (2) attitudes and perspectives on the experiment's desirability and insufficiencies; and (3) needs and expectations for future AI and mindfulness developments, including usability and functional preferences. Similar to mindfulness practice, ChatGPT interactions helped older adults feel less depressed and might eventually reduce costs by replacing mindfulness. In the future, AI can be integrated with conventional techniques to improve interaction by giving AI a more human-like appearance.

DepActive: study protocol for a randomised controlled multicentre trial of telephone-delivered behavioural activation for the treatment of depression in older adults in primary care

BackgroundDepression is common in older adults and is related to reduced quality of life and functional ability as well as increased mortality and morbidity. Current guidelines recommend psychological treatments for the treatment of depression in adults. Studies show that about 30% of older adults with depression in Sweden receive pharmacological treatment and about 3% receive psychological treatment. However, a majority receive no treatment at all. There is a need for effective and scalable psychological treatment options for older adults with depression in primary care. Behavioural activation is an extensively evaluated, effective, and relatively simple treatment for depression that can be delivered by health care professionals without comprehensive training in psychological treatment.MethodsWe will conduct a randomised controlled 2-armed parallel group multicentre trial comparing treatment as usual in primary care to a five-session telephone-delivered behavioural activation treatment as add on to treatment as usual. The current trial is open labelled. In all, 250 older adults (≥ 65 years) with depression will be recruited from primary healthcare centres in three Swedish regions. The primary outcome is depressive symptoms measured with the Montgomery Åsberg Depression Rating Scale – Self rating version (MADRS-S) after treatment and at 3- and 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include depression diagnoses, activity level (self-rated and measured with accelerometer), and self-rated anxiety, daily functioning, quality of life, self-efficacy, and loneliness.DiscussionThere is a need for fully powered studies of brief behavioural activation for older adults with depression delivered by telephone in a primary care context. This study has the potential to improve first-line treatment of depression in older adults in primary care, consequently reducing morbidity and mortality within this population. Increasing the availability and accessibility to effective psychological treatment for depression in older adults is needed to meet future demographic changes.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT06284889. Registered February 28, 2024.

COMPARISON OF COGNITIVE FUNCTION AND DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN INSTITUTIONALIZED HEALTHY AND OLDER PERSON WITH ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

Physical activity shows benefits in cognitive function and the prevention and treatment of depression in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and healthy ones. So, the purpose of this study was to compare cognitive function and depressive symptoms in two groups: a group of older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and a group of older adults without neurodegenerative diseases, by sex and level of physical activity. The sample was 30 participants divided into two groups: 15 participants with Alzheimer’s disease and 15 participants without neurodegenerative diseases. The instruments used were the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). The results revealed that older persons with Alzheimer’s disease exhibit a more significant impairment of cognitive skills (p = .001) and a higher incidence of depressive symptoms (p = .001) compared to older persons without neurodegenerative diseases, with no differences between sex (p &gt; .05). Results show that active older person had higher scores in cognitive abilities (p = .001) and a lower incidence of depression (p = .001). It seems that Alzheimer’s disease, typically associated with cognitive abilities decline and incidence of depressive symptoms, and physical activity influence cognitive performance and depressive symptoms in older people with Alzheimer’s disease and without dementia.

Gait speed, handgrip strength, and their combination, and risk of depression in later life: Evidence from a prospective study of community-dwelling older adults

ObjectiveThis study investigated the association between gait speed, handgrip strength, and their combination, and the risk for developing clinically relevant depressive symptoms in community-dwelling older adults. MethodsA secondary analysis was conducted using data from the ASPirin in Reducing Events in the Elderly study. Participants were community-dwelling older adults in Australia and the United States of America followed for a median (interquartile range) of 3.97 (2.26) years. Baseline handgrip strength and gait speed were used as exposure variables, and their combination categories were also explored. Depression was measured using the modified Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression 10-item scale (CES-D 10). Cox regression was used to estimate Adjusted Hazard Ratios (AHR) with 95 % Confidence Intervals (CI) after adjusting for a range of potential confounders. ResultA total of 17,231 participants (55.3 % women) were included in the analysis. Slow gait and weak grip at baseline were associated with the risk of depression (AHR: 1.20; CI: 1.11–1.29 and 1.14; 1.06–1.23, respectively). The combination of the two physical performance measures was associated with a 31 % increase in the risk of depression (1.31; 1.16–1.47) and a significant dose-response association was observed for quintiles of gait and grip with depression. LimitationsAlthough the CES-D 10 is a validated scale, it is a self-reported tool rather than a clinical diagnosis of depression. ConclusionLow physical function may be a risk factor for depression in older adults. This highlights the inextricable link between the physical and mental health of older adults, which can inform potential clinical and public health prevention strategies for depression in later life.

Cancer and depression in older adults

Cancer and depression in older adults

Long-term impacts of socioeconomic status and childhood trauma on depression in older adults: social work strategies

ABSTRACT This study explores the impact of life course socioeconomic status (SES) and childhood trauma on depressive symptoms in Chinese middle-aged and older adults, while also examining the role of chronic diseases and implications for social work practice. Using data from 9,942 participants, structural equation was established to investigate these relationships. Results reveals that low childhood SES positively affects depressive symptoms through low SES in mid-to-late life (std. β = 0.168, p < .001), and domestic child abuse negatively impacts depressive symptoms through low SES in mid-to-late life (std. β=-0.020, p < .001). Additionally, experiencing peer bullying is directly associated with depressive symptoms (std. β = 0.145, p < .001). Exposure to domestic violence is directly related to depressive symptoms (std. β = 0.078, p < .001) and indirectly leads to more severe depressive symptoms through chronic disease (std. β = 0.023, p < .001). Social workers in healthcare settings can utilize these findings to better understand risk factors for depression and provide trauma-informed care and economic assistance across the life course. Additional training for social workers on the lasting impacts of childhood adversity is warranted. By intervening at both individual and policy levels, social work practitioners can help break cycles of poverty and poor health stemming from childhood.

Senior Theater Projects: Enhancing Physical Health and Reducing Depression in Older Adults.

The aim of this study was to clarify the effects of a theater training program intervention on the physical and cognitive functions in community-dwelling older people. Of the 59 participants, 30 were the control group, and 29 were the intervention group. We assessed physical and mental/cognitive functions and criteria of physical frailty. Statistical analysis showed that the usual walking speed (UWS) (p < 0.01), grip strength (GS) (p < 0.01), and GDS-15 (p < 0.05) improved significantly in the intervention group, whereas the Geriatric Depression Scale short-form (GDS-15) (p < 0.01) worsened significantly in the control group. Cognitive function was not significantly different between the two groups. Physical frailty was unchanged in the control group but significantly improved in the intervention group (p < 0.05), and a significant interaction was found for GDS-15 in ANOVA (F = 5.76, p < 0.05). The results of this study suggest that a theater intervention for the older adults may be effective in preventing and improving depression and physical frailty in old age.