Depressive Symptoms In Old Age Research Articles

Socioeconomic status and incident depressive symptoms among older adults: A 3-year longitudinal study from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study.

The association between socioeconomic status (SES) and the onset of depressive symptoms has attracted considerable attention. However, few studies have simultaneously examined the association of multiple SES indicators, including "assets," with the onset of depressive symptoms. Therefore, this study examined the association of four SES indicators in old age ('years of education' 'equivalent income,' 'equivalent assets,' and 'the longest-held job') with new-onset depressive symptoms in a large Japanese dataset. This longitudinal study used panel data of cognitively and physically independent older adults from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) conducted in 2013 and 2016. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the association of each SES indicator with new-onset depressive symptoms, and odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. We analyzed the data of 40,257 older adults, with a mean age (± standard deviation) of 72.9 (±5.5) years. In the follow-up survey, 4292 older adults had new-onset depression symptoms (10.7%). 39.3% had 10-12years of education. 36.9% had an equivalent income of up to JPY 1.99 million. 24.4% had equivalent assets of JPY 4-17.99 million. Most had a clerical job for the long time. Furthermore, fewer years of education (males: OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.22-1.64, p-value <0.001/females: 1.26, [1.09-1.47], p=0.002), lower income (males: 1.64, [1.34-2.01], p<0.001/females: 1.82, [1.49-2.22], p<0.001), and fewer assets (males: 1.40, [1.16-1.68], p<0.001/females: 1.21, [1.02-1.42], p=0.025) resulted in higher odds of having new-onset depressive symptoms, even when other SES indicators were entered simultaneously. All four SES indicators have an independent association with the development of new-onset depressive symptoms among older adults, reflecting different aspects of SES. The association between the "longest-held job" and new-onset depressive symptoms can be largely explained by other SES indicators. A multifaceted and lifetime approach is required to prevent the onset of depressive symptoms in old age.

Exploring trajectories of depressive symptoms among Chinese older adults: Effects of gender and social activity participation

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to analyze the trajectory of late‐life depressive symptoms and to explore the effect of gender and social activity participation on that trajectory. Data from 4943 older adults aged 60 and above from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (2011, 2013, 2015, and 2018) were analyzed using the Latent Growth Curve Model (LGCM) in Mplus. The results were (1) late‐life depressive symptoms increased during the survey; (2) at the initiation level, depression was higher in women than men, while there was no gender difference in the rate of change; and (3) lower social activity participation significantly negatively affected the increase of depressive symptoms in old age at that time. The findings implicated that, first, it is essential to screen for depressive symptoms and prevent or slow the growth of depressive symptoms in geriatric services on time. Second, services to improve depressive symptoms in older adults do not simply work separately by gender. Finally, welfare policymakers should consider how to support older adults to actively participate in social activities to prevent or slow down the growth of depressive symptoms.

Compliance with CBT referral in nursing home residents diagnosed with depression: Results from a feasibility study

ObjectivesPatient-level factors that influence compliance with a recommendation for CBT in nursing home residents diagnosed with depression were identified. MethodsWithin a cluster-randomized trial on stepped care for depression in nursing homes (DAVOS-study, Trial registration: DRKS00015686), participants received an intake interview administered by a licensed psychotherapist. If psychotherapy was required, patients were offered a referral for CBT. Sociodemographic characteristics, severity of depression, loneliness, physical health, antidepressant medication, prior experience with psychotherapy, and attitudes towards own aging were assessed. A binary regression determined predictors of compliance with referral. ResultsOf 123 residents receiving an intake interview, 80 were recommended a CBT. Forty-seven patients (58.8 %) followed the recommendation. The binary logistic regression model on compliance with recommended CBT was significant, χ2(9) = 21.64, p = .010. Significant predictors were age (Odds Ratio (OR) = 0.9; 95 % Confidence Interval (CI) = 0.82, 0.99; p = .024) and depression (OR = 1.33; 95 % CI = 1.08, 1.65; p = .008). ConclusionWithin the implemented setting compliance rate was comparable to other age groups. Future interventions should include detailed psychoeducation on the benefits of psychotherapy on mild depressive symptoms in older age and evidence-based interventions to address the stigma of depression. Interventions such as reminiscence-based methods or problem-solving could be useful to increase compliance with referral, especially in very old patients (80+). Language barriers and a culturally sensitive approach should be considered when screening residents.

Facial Expressions Track Depressive Symptoms in Old Age.

Facial expressions play a crucial role in the diagnosis of mental illnesses characterized by mood changes. The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) is a comprehensive framework that systematically categorizes and captures even subtle changes in facial appearance, enabling the examination of emotional expressions. In this study, we investigated the association between facial expressions and depressive symptoms in a sample of 59 older adults without cognitive impairment. Utilizing the FACS and the Korean version of the Beck Depression Inventory-II, we analyzed both "posed" and "spontaneous" facial expressions across six basic emotions: happiness, sadness, fear, anger, surprise, and disgust. Through principal component analysis, we summarized 17 action units across these emotion conditions. Subsequently, multiple regression analyses were performed to identify specific facial expression features that explain depressive symptoms. Our findings revealed several distinct features of posed and spontaneous facial expressions. Specifically, among older adults with higher depressive symptoms, a posed face exhibited a downward and inward pull at the corner of the mouth, indicative of sadness. In contrast, a spontaneous face displayed raised and narrowed inner brows, which was associated with more severe depressive symptoms in older adults. These findings suggest that facial expressions can provide valuable insights into assessing depressive symptoms in older adults.

LIFECOURSE DETERMINANTS OF DEPRESSION AMONG OLDER MEXICAN ADULTS

Abstract Older adults’ exposure to poverty, poor health, and negative life events over their lifetime creates cumulative adversity, increasing their risk of depressive symptoms. We hypothesize that those with disadvantaged sociodemographic characteristics like household poverty, chronic health conditions, and negative lifecourse exposures will be more likely to report a high number of depressive symptoms in old age. Three sequential multivariable logistic regression models were estimated using Wave 3 (2012) of the Mexican Health and Aging Study (MHAS). The final sample included 5,610 respondents aged 50 and older, of which 34.3% reported depression measured by a modified 9-item CES-D scale. The sample was mostly female (63.3%) with a mean age of 69. Present-day conditions were measured by quality of the home, consumer durables, chronic health conditions, and health insurance. Early-life conditions were measured by the respondent’s mother’s education and exposure to poverty and illness during childhood. In 2012, older Mexican adults living in homes built with poor construction materials or homes that lack access to water and sanitation (OR=1.24) were more likely to experience high depressive symptoms. In addition, those living in homes without consumer durable goods (OR=1.23) were at increased risk. Older Mexican adults who experienced poverty (OR=1.16) or illness during childhood (OR=1.21) were more likely to report a high number of depressive symptoms in old age. In conclusion, we find evidence of a “long-arm” of childhood, whereas older Mexican adults’ exposure to poverty and illness in childhood increases their likelihood of poor mental health outcomes, regardless of their present-day conditions.

Intergenerational support and depressive symptoms in old age: The difference between urban and rural China.

Intergenerational support is associated with fewer depressive symptoms in old age. Uneven development has resulted in huge urban-rural disparities in China, which could lead to different intergenerational relationships. The present study aimed to examine whether intergenerational support was associated with depressive symptoms differently among urban and rural Chinese older participants. A sample of 3,498 participants from nine pairs of urban subdistricts and rural villages were included in the present study. Depressive symptoms were measured by the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the intergenerational support mechanisms (financial, instrumental, and emotional) were assessed with a self-designed questionnaire. Significant areas by support effect for depressive symptoms indicated different associations between intergenerational financial and emotional support and depressive symptoms in urban and rural areas. Specifically, urban older participants receiving emotional support from adult children and rural older participants receiving financial support from adult children showed fewer depressive symptoms. In both areas, participants receiving instrumental support showed fewer depressive symptoms. Our study is the first to compare the urban-rural disparity in association between intergenerational support and depressive symptoms in a developing country, China. The results support modernization theories proposing weakened economic function but intensified emotional ties in societies with higher level of development. Communication-based intergenerational emotional support should be promoted in urban areas, and formal support systems should provide financial and instrumental support to the vulnerable rural older population.

Major Depression and Onset of Frontotemporal Dementia.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is still a clinical challenge with the highest rate of misdiagnosis and poor outcome. The pathogenetic relationship between depression and neurodegeneration remains unclear. This study evaluated depression prevalence before FTD diagnosis. The aim was to assess the prevalence and impact of depression on FTD diagnostic process. The clinical characteristics of 72 patients hospitalized in Department of Affective and Psychotic Disorders Medical University of Lodz between 2010 and 2020 with final diagnosis FTD were analyzed. The data referring to first psychiatric diagnosis, time from first psychopathological symptoms to clarification of FTD diagnosis were collected. The patients who did not undergo full neuropsychiatric verification were excluded from the analysis. About 69% of patients had other concomitant diagnosis of mental disorders which was made prior to FTD diagnosis. Among this subsample, 71% revealed depression diagnosis with at least moderate severity. The patients whose first diagnosis was psychotic depression revealed the longest period from the appearance of the first psychopathological symptoms to the diagnosis of FTD in comparison to the subsample with other psychiatric diagnosis (p=0.034; mean 4.33±3.28 years vs mean 2.68±1.39 years). The severe depressive symptoms in older age may reflect the development of neurodegeneration before full-blown frontotemporal dementia symptomatology. We hypothesized that psychotic depression is a predictor of FTD. Further investigations in this field are required.

Depressive symptoms are associated with reduced positivity preferences in episodic memory in aging

Age-related positivity preferences are represented as greater memory benefits for positive and/or reduced benefits for negative material with age. It is unknown if positivity preferences are limited to older adults without depressive symptoms. In this fMRI study, adults across the lifespan with a range of depressive symptoms were scanned as they rated emotional intensity of images and subsequently completed a recognition memory task. Behavioral, univariate, and functional connectivity analyses provided evidence for interactive effects between age and depressive symptoms. With low depressive symptoms, typical age-related emotional preferences emerged: younger age was associated with better memory for negative images, and this benefit was reduced with older age. With increasing depressive symptoms in older age, positivity preferences were reduced, manifesting as improvements in negative memory. The neural data highlighted potential underlying mechanisms, including reductions in prefrontal cortex connectivity reflecting diminished ability to engage regulatory processes to reduce negative affect in older participants with higher depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that depressive symptoms in older adulthood reduce positivity preferences through alterations in neural networks underlying emotion regulation.

Sleep disturbance, neuro-immune markers, and depressive symptoms in older age: Conditional process analysis from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging (ELSA)

This study aimed to investigate the long-term association between subjective sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms in older adults, and ascertain whether this association is partially mediated by neuro-immune markers, while testing the moderation of sex using conditional process analyses, i.e., combinations of mediation and moderation analyses. We analysed data of 2124 participants aged 50 and above from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) across three waves of data collection. Sleep disturbance was assessed in 2008/9, serum levels of high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), insulin like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), white blood cell (WBC) count in 2012/2013, and self-reported depressive symptoms in 2016/2017. After accounting for health-related and psychosocial confounders, results showed that sleep disturbance significantly predicted depressive symptoms at follow-up in the whole sample and hs-CRP in women, but not in men. Hs-CRP also predicted depressive symptoms only in women. Moreover, hs-CRP significantly mediated the association between sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms in women, but not in men. The association between sleep disturbance and IFG-1was marginal, and the latter did not mediate the association between sleep and depressive symptoms neither in women nor in men. Results on WBC count were all non-significant. In conclusion, sleep disturbance resulted significantly associated with depressive symptoms in a long-term follow-up. Moreover, ELSA data provide preliminary evidence that increased inflammation may mediate this association in women. Future longitudinal studies may advance the knowledge in the field considering the mediating role of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6.

The Impact of Cataract Surgery on Depression in Elderly Iranian Patients: A Case–Control Study

Background: Cataract-related vision impairment is clearly associated with depressive symptoms in old age. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cataract surgery on depression among elderly Iranian patients.&#x0D; Methods: In this case–control study, a total of 113 elderly patients with and without cataract who were admitted to Buali-Sina Hospital in Sari, Mazandaran, Iran were evaluated. Ophthalmological examinations were first performed at the beginning of the study and then four months later; demographic and clinical characteristics were obtained for all patients. Additionally, depression was assessed using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) for all patients during the study period.&#x0D; Results: A statistically significant difference was found between the mean depression score in patients without cataract (3.28), patients with cataract surgery (3.74), and patients without cataract surgery (5.60) (P = 0.024). On the other hand, there was no statistically significant differences between the mean depression score in patients with cataract surgery and patients without cataract (P = 0.582). However, a statistically significant difference was observed between the mean depression score after cataract surgery in men (1.70) and women (4.94) (P &lt; 0.001). Visual function improved in all bilateral cataract patients who had surgery in one eye. Also, the results of this study showed that in all unilateral cataract patients who had eye surgery, visual function in the left and right eyes improved.&#x0D; Conclusion: We conclude that depression is more prevalent in patients with cataract compared to those without cataract. In addition, cataract surgery seems to be associated with reduced depression and better visual acuity in elderly patients with cataract.

Household indebtedness and depressive symptoms among older adults in China: The moderating role of social network and anticipated support

BackgroundExamine the association of household financial indebtedness with depressive symptoms in old age, and investigate whether social network and support anticipation moderate the association. MethodsData were obtained from Sample Survey on Vulnerable Populations from Poor Families in Urban/Rural China (2018), with a sample of 5 934 older adults included. Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scales was applied to measure depressive symptoms. Household indebtedness was measured in several ways, including whether the household was indebted, the amount of debts, and types of debts. We used the 6-item Lubben Social Network Scale to measure individual's social network. Socio-demographic, socioeconomic status and physical health variables were included as covariates. ResultsHousehold indebtedness, in form of being indebted and increased amount of debts, was associated with greater depressive symptoms in the Chinese elderly. The association of indebtedness and depressive symptoms may be driven by consumption and emergency debts. The moderating roles of social network and anticipation of support in the association of household indebtedness and depressive symptoms were found. Among those with household debts, older adults with larger size of social network and/or higher anticipation of being supported in the future reported with less symptoms of depressed. LimitationsDue to a lack of information on the duration and debtor of household debt, we were not able to present a precise estimate for the exact impact of household indebtedness on mental health of elderly. ConclusionFamilial financial strain was associated with aging mental well-being, increased social networks and social protections benefit aging health.

Linking widowhood and later-life depressive symptoms: Do childhood socioeconomic circumstances matter?

Objectives: Widowhood and adverse childhood socioeconomic circumstances (CSC) have both been linked to increased levels of depressive symptoms in old age. Beyond their independent impact on depressive symptoms, experiencing adverse CSC may also trigger a cascade of cumulative adversity and secondary stressors across the life course that shapes how individuals weather stressful life events later on. Method: We examine whether exposure to adverse CSC moderates the relationship between later-life widowhood and depressive symptoms using data from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (2004-2017). Results: Mixed-effects models revealed that both widowhood and adverse CSC were associated with increased levels of depressive symptoms among men and women. Associations between widowhood and depressive symptoms, however, were not moderated by CSC for both genders. Conclusion: Persisting differences in the levels of mental health in response to later-life widowhood did not further widen in the presence of disparities experienced early in the life course. This may reflect the life-altering impact of this age-normative, yet stressful life event across the social strata.

Linking physical and social environments with mental health in old age: a multisensor approach for continuous real-life ecological and emotional assessment

BackgroundUrban stress is mentioned as a plausible mechanism leading to chronic stress, which is a risk factor of depression. Yet, an accurate assessment of urban stressors in environmental epidemiology requires...

Adherence to Mediterranean diet and risk of depression later in life. A cross sectional study in East Attica, Greece

Objectives The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of depression later in life in an urban area and to investigate the associations between possible risk and protective factors including adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the active members of the open day-care centres for older people, in East-Attica, Greece. An anonymous questionnaire was developed to collect basic demographic and medical data, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was applied to screen the elderly for depressive symptoms, the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used to quantify sleep disturbances and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Statistics was processed with SPSS 24.0. Results 154 older adults took part in the study. According to GDS-15, 24.7% (21.4% moderate and 3.2% severe type) screened positive for depressive symptoms. 29.9% of the participants reported inadequate sleep, based on AIS. Depression and insomnia in older participants were more frequent in women than in men, in lower educated, in participants with lower monthly income and in older people with comorbidity (p < 0.05). MDS revealed that adherence to a Mediterranean diet was moderate for 64.3% of the participants, and it was high for 34.4%. Depression diagnosed by a physician, was strongly associated with MDS (p = 0.035) and AIS (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis results revealed a diet higher in vegetables and lower in poultry and alcohol was associated with decreased likelihood of developing symptoms of depression later in life. Conclusions Our results support that depression in older adults is common and strongly associated with several risk factors. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may protect against the development of depressive symptoms in older age. Moreover, not only diet but also sleep-deficiency might contribute to the depression later in life.

Does the selective attrition of a panel survey of older people affect the multivariate estimations of subjective well-being?

The increased population aging has resulted in a growing need for longitudinal studies about the quality of life among older people. Nevertheless, the results of these investigations could be biased because more disadvantaged people leave the original sample. The purpose of this study is to examine how the selective attrition observed in a panel survey affect multivariate models of subjective well-being (SWB). The question is if we could do reliable longitudinal investigations concerning the predictors of SWB in old age. This paper examines attrition in a panel of older people in Chile. Attrition was evaluated in the variables that affect elderly SWB. Probit models were fitted to compare dropouts with nondropouts. Then, multivariate probit models were estimated on satisfaction and depressive symptoms, comparing dropouts and nondropouts. Finally, we compared weighted and unweighted multivariate probit models on SWB. The attrition rate in 2years was 38.8%, including deaths and 32.9%, excluding them. Survey dropouts had lower satisfaction but not higher depressive symptoms. Among SWB predictors, people without a partner and with lower self-efficacy abandoned more the study. When applying the Becketti, Gould, Lillard, and Welch test, the probit coefficients of the predictor variables on SWB outcome variables were similar for dropouts and nondropouts. Finally, the comparison of multivariate models on SWB with weighting methods did not find substantial differences in the explanatory coefficients. Although some predictors of attrition were associated with SWB, attrition did not produce biased estimates in multivariate models of life satisfaction life or depressive symptoms in old age.

The mediating role of will-to-live in the connection between subjective age and depressive symptoms in late life

Subjective age, or feeling younger/older than one's chronological age, was shown to be an important predictor of depressive symptoms among older adults. Moreover, will-to-live was found to predict the severity of depressive symptoms in old age. However, the connections between subjective age and will-to-live with regard to depressive symptoms have not been studied. Accordingly, the current study examines whether the association between subjective age and depressive symptoms is mediated by will-to-live. Data was collected from 1169 community-dwelling older adults, ranging in age from 63 to 97 (mean age = 73.61), who completed scales assessing subjective age, will-to-live, and depressive symptoms. Additional socio-demographic and health variables were assessed and controlled. Older subjective age was linked with reduced will-to-live and increased depressive symptoms. Moreover, will-to-live was found to be a significant mediator for the subjective age-depressive symptoms connection. This study highlights the clinical importance of subjective age in connection with depression in old age and emphasizes the significance of will-to-live as a relevant personal resource in this regard.

OLD-AGE DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS: THE ROLE OF EARLY-LIFE FINANCIAL STRAIN AND LATE-LIFE SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT

It remains unclear if childhood socioeconomic disadvantage is associated with depression in old age. This study aims to investigate the effect of childhood financial strain on depressive symptoms in old age, and to examine whether late-life social engagement modifies this association. Data from the Swedish National study of Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, a community-based longitudinal study of aging, spanning clinical assessments over 15 years of follow-up were used. Information on financial strain in childhood was collected at baseline. Repeated measures of the Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale were used to define depressive trajectories. A social engagement index comprised information on baseline social network and leisure activities. Linear mixed models were used to estimate depressive trajectories. Childhood financial strain was associated with a higher level of depressive symptoms (β = 0.36; p<0.05), but not the rate of symptom accumulation over time. Relative to those with a combination of no financial strain and active social engagement, the level of depressive symptoms was progressively increased in those without financial strain but with inactive social engagement (β = 0.29; p<0.05), as well as in those with both financial strain and inactive engagement (β= 0.83; p<0.05). Individuals with financial strain who had active social engagement exhibited a similar burden of symptoms as those without financial strain and with rich social engagement. Early-life financial strain may have a lasting effect on old age depressive symptoms, although its detrimental consequences may be modified by active social engagement in late life.

Associations of Elevated Antithyroperoxidase Antibodies with Thyroid Function, Survival, Functioning, and Depressive Symptoms in the Oldest Old: The Leiden 85-plus Study.

Background: Elevated levels of antithyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAbs) have been associated with progression of subclinical thyroid dysfunction, extrathyroidal diseases, and decrease in functional status. However, TPOAb as determinant of future thyroid dysfunction and other clinical outcomes has not been studied well for adults aged 85 years and over. This study aimed to assess associations of TPOAb levels with thyroid function, survival, physical function, disability in activities of daily living (ADL), cognitive function, and depressive symptoms in the oldest old. Methods: Data from a population-based cohort study (Leiden 85-plus Study) of residents of Leiden, the Netherlands, aged 85 and older were used. Baseline serum TPOAb levels were available for 488 participants (82% of the total cohort). We considered levels ≥35 IU/mL as elevated. Thyroid function (thyrotropin [TSH] and free thyroxine) was assessed at age 85 (baseline), 87, and 88 years. Survival, physical function, disability in ADL, cognitive function, and depressive symptoms were assessed from age 85 through 90 years. Results: At baseline, 64 of the 85-year old participants (13.1%) had elevated TPOAb levels. They were more often female, had higher TSH levels, and a higher prevalence of overt or subclinical hypothyroidism than participants with normal TPOAb levels. Over time, elevated TPOAb levels were independently associated with a lower mortality risk (hazard ratio 0.72, [95% confidence interval 0.53-0.99]), but were not associated with changes in thyroid function, nor with physical function, disability in ADL, cognitive function, or depressive symptoms. Conclusions: In community-dwelling oldest old, elevated TPOAb levels are cross-sectionally associated with higher TSH levels. Over time, elevated TPOAb levels are associated with a survival benefit but are not associated with changes in thyroid function, functional status, or depressive symptoms in old age. The added clinical value of TPOAb tests in oldest old persons with thyroid dysfunction is limited.

Adherence to Mediterranean diet and risk of depression later in life. A cross sectional study in East Attica, Greece

Abstract Objectives The purpose of the present study was to estimate the prevalence of depression later in life in an urban area and to investigate the associations between possible risk and protective factors including adherence to a Mediterranean diet. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted among the active members of the open day-care centres for older people, in East-Attica, Greece. An anonymous questionnaire was developed to collect basic demographic and medical data, the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) was applied to screen the elderly for depressive symptoms, the Athens Insomnia Scale (AIS) was used to quantify sleep disturbances and adherence to the Mediterranean diet was evaluated using the Mediterranean Diet Score (MDS). Statistics was processed with SPSS 24.0. Results 154 older adults took part in the study. According to GDS-15, 24.7% (21.4% moderate and 3.2% severe type) screened positive for depressive symptoms. 29.9% of the participants reported inadequate sleep, based on AIS. Depression and insomnia in older participants were more frequent in women than in men, in lower educated, in participants with lower monthly income and in older people with comorbidity (p &lt; 0.05). MDS revealed that adherence to a Mediterranean diet was moderate for 64.3% of the participants, and it was high for 34.4%. Depression diagnosed by a physician, was strongly associated with MDS (p = 0.035) and AIS (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis results revealed a diet higher in vegetables and lower in poultry and alcohol was associated with decreased likelihood of developing symptoms of depression later in life. Conclusions Our results support that depression in older adults is common and strongly associated with several risk factors. Adherence to a Mediterranean diet may protect against the development of depressive symptoms in older age. Moreover, not only diet but also sleep-deficiency might contribute to the depression later in life.

Frequency and Related Factors of Depressive Symptoms Among Elders Who Live in a Residential Home in Istanbul

Objective:The elderly population, defined as ≥65 years old, is increasing with time in society. Depressive symptoms in old age lead to worsening of physical and cognitive abilities. This study investigated the prevalence of depressive symptoms in elderly people living in a residential home in Istanbul and factors affecting this indication.Methods:The study was conducted in a descriptive and cross-sectional manner. The questionnaire, which included sociodemographic questions and inquiries on factors affecting depression, Geriatric Depression Scale Short Form-15 (GDS-15), and Mini-Mental test, was administered to 77 elderly people.Results:Twenty-nine of the participants were females and 48 were males, with a mean age of 75.9 ± 8.2 years. The mean GDS-15 score of the elderly was 4.04 ± 3.42. Concerns regarding leaving the residential home, low telephone call frequency, persistent physical illness, and inability to complete self-care activities were significantly associated with depressive symptoms.Conclusion:Depressive symptoms are common in the elderly living in residential homes. This occurrence is closely related to social support and health status. Further studies are warranted to determine if factors associated with such symptoms are risk factors for depression.