Geriatric Depression Screening Scale Research Articles

Malnutrition suppresses improvements in depression symptoms in older adult patients with stroke undergoing convalescent rehabilitation

Background & AimsDepression symptoms are both prevalent and associated with poor prognosis in patients with convalescent stroke. Therefore, the improvement of depression symptoms is important for patients with convalescent stroke. This study aimed to examine whether malnutrition diagnosed using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and its components are associated with improvements in depression symptoms in patients with stroke undergoing rehabilitation. MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of older adult patients with convalescent stroke. Inclusion criteria comprised patients aged ≥65 years experiencing their first occurrence of stroke and admitted for rehabilitation therapy. Patients were classified into either the malnutrition or normal nutrition groups based on the diagnosis of malnutrition using the GLIM criteria. The Geriatric Depression Screening Scale (GDS)-15 was used to evaluate depression symptoms. The primary outcome of the study was the change in depression symptoms, indicating a change in GDS score from admission to discharge. The association between malnutrition diagnosed using the GLIM criteria and change in depression symptoms was assessed using multiple regression analysis. Additionally, associations with the constructs of the GLIM criteria were investigated. ResultsThe malnutrition group comprised 64 (45%) patients, with a mean age of 78.2 years; 77 (54%) and 66 (46%) were males and females, respectively. Multiple regression analysis showed that malnutrition, diagnosed using the GLIM criteria (β: −0.306, p < 0.001), was independently associated with changes in depression symptoms. Moreover, the GLIM criterion component of reduced muscle mass (β: −0.235, p < 0.001) demonstrated a negative association with a change in depression symptoms. ConclusionMalnutrition and reduced muscle mass, diagnosed using the GLIM criteria in patients with stroke undergoing convalescent rehabilitation, were found to suppress the improvement of depression symptoms.

Sarcopenia and its components suppress the improvement of depression symptoms in patients with stroke.

Recent studies have reported an association between sarcopenia and depression symptoms. To date, no reports have investigated the association between sarcopenia and depression symptoms evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Screening Scale (GDS)-15 in patients with stroke. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association between sarcopenia and its components and the improvement of depression symptoms in patients with stroke admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward. Patients with stroke aged ≥65 years admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward were included in the study. Participants were categorized into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups based on the 2019 Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Here, depression symptoms were evaluated using the GDS-15, in addition to demographic characteristics. This study's primary outcome was the GDS change from admission to discharge. Multiple regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between GDS change and sarcopenia and its components. Overall, 118 participants were included, with a mean age of 78.7±8.1, and 58 (49%) were classified in the sarcopenia group. Multiple regression analysis showed that sarcopenia (β: -0.283, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -1.140 to -0.283, p < 0.001) and handgrip strength (β: -0.317, 95% CI: -0.162 to -0.014, p = 0.021) were independently associated with GDS change. Sarcopenia and handgrip strength were significantly associated with improved depression symptoms in patients with stroke admitted to a convalescent rehabilitation ward. However, further prospective studies should investigate the association between sarcopenia and depression symptoms in patients with stroke.

Does perceived social support, psychological problems, and fatigue impact quality of life of geriatric patients with cancer?

Health-related comorbidities often increase due to cancer among the ageing population. However, thed omains of psychological functioning of geriatric patients remain undetected especially in the Indian scenario. This study aimed to evaluate psychological problems, perceived social support, fatigue, and quality of life among geriatric patients with cancer. A cross sectional study was conducted in a tertiary cancer center. Geriatric patients with cancer (n = 130) having solid malignancies categorized as older patients (>65 years) and younger geriatric patients (60-65 years) were included in the study. Depression, anxiety, perceived social support, fatigue, and quality of life was assessed using the Geriatric Depression Screening Scale, Geriatric Anxiety Scale, Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, Symbolic Assessment of Fatigue Extent, and the Old People Quality of life Scale, respectively. Descriptive and inferential statistics such as cross tab analysis, correlation and regression analysis. A majority of patients 80 (61.5%) had low perceived social support, moderate-severe depression 61 (47.7%) and mild-moderate anxiety 55 (43.1%). Half of the patients were found to have poor quality of life. Further, psychological problems were higher among older geriatric patients (p = 0.000). Very few patients had a higher impact of fatigue on their daily functioning 17 (13.3%). There was a positive correlation between perceived social support, depression, anxiety, extent of fatigue, and quality of life (r = 0.256, P = 0.003). Psychological problems are higher among older geriatric patients with cancer undergoing treatment. Clinical implications could aim at regular screening to identify specific psychological issues and provide appropriate interventions. Future research warrants the efficacy of such therapeutic interventions for better quality of life outcomes.

Comparisons of Health Promoting Behavior, Depression, and Life Satisfaction Between Older Adults in Rural Areas in South Korea Living in Group Homes and at Home.

ABSTRACTBackground:In South Korea, population aging is advancing at a more rapid rate in rural areas than urban areas, leading to a particularly high percentage of rural-dwelling older adults.Purpose:The aim of this study was to examine and compare health promoting behaviors, depression, and life satisfaction between rural-dwelling older adults who live, respectively, in group homes and at home.Methods:A cross-sectional descriptive study design was employed. Study participants included 160 older adults aged 65 years and older who were living in group homes (n = 80) and at home (n = 80) in Gyeonggi province, South Korea. The Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile-II was used to examine health promoting behaviors, the Korean Geriatric Depression Screening Scale was used to examine depression, and the Life Satisfaction Index was used to examine life satisfaction. Data were analyzed using SPSS Version 21.0.Results:The data showed significant differences between the two groups in terms of health promoting behaviors (t = −9.035, p < .001), depression (t = 20.861, p < .001), and life satisfaction (t = −12.153, p < .001).Conclusions/Implications for Practice:The mean scores for health promotion behaviors and life satisfaction were higher, and the mean score for depression was lower in the group-home group than the at-home group. The findings from this study may be employed as basic data for establishing residence-appropriate nursing intervention protocols for older adults living in rural areas.

Associations among Elder Abuse, Depression and PTSD in South Korean Older Adults.

Increasing attention is being placed on the prevalence of elder abuse and its impact on mental health. This study conducted a survey of 172 elderly people in South Korea to determine the prevalence of elder abuse and the relationships involving elder abuse, depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Participants completed a battery of self-report questionnaires, which included the Korean Geriatric Depression Screening Scale (KGDS) and Impact of Event Scale-Revised Korean version (IES-R-K). Descriptive analyses were conducted to examine the frequency of specific forms of abuse. Logistic regression models were estimated to identify the factors that contributed to risk of abuse exposure and the relationship between exposure and PTSD or depression. The results indicated around 22% of the participants reported abuse exposure, which most commonly included being refused physical contact, verbal threats, and/or being excluded from decision-making about personal issues. Low education and being unmarried, separated or divorced was associated with an increased risk of abuse exposure. There were strong associations between elder abuse and PTSD symptoms, while comparable relationships with depression were weaker and were not robust to the inclusion of control variables. The findings provided empirical support for the relationship between abuse experiences of the elderly and poor mental health and raise important issues for the mental health care of the elderly.

Frequency and pattern of exercise and depression after two years in older Japanese adults: the JAGES longitudinal study

Few have clarified what exercise frequencies and patterns (e.g. alone or with others) are effective for preventing depression in older adults. We examined the relationship between total frequency and/or pattern of exercise and the risk of depression after two years in older Japanese adults. We used a sub-sample of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) performed in 2011 and 2013. The sample for analysis was 1,422 adults aged 65 years or older without depression and low physical strength in 2011. All variables were assessed with a questionnaire including the geriatric depression screening scale (GDS-15). Binomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between exercise in 2011 and depression in 2013 (0 = non-depression, 1 = depression). The adjusted odds ratio (OR) for later depression was 0.52 (95% confidence intervals: 0.33–0.81) for exercise two or more times a week compared to non-exercisers. The OR for exercisers who exercise with others even a little (Ewo) was 0.53 (0.34–0.84) compared to non-exercisers. Among combinations of frequency and pattern, the OR for Ewo who exercise two or more times a week was 0.40 (0.24–0.68) compared to non-exercisers. Exercising at least twice a week and/or with others may be useful in preventing depression in older adults.

Incidental and intentional memory performance in depression and amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Incidental and intentional memory performance in depression and amnestic mild cognitive impairment

Poor sleep quality is independently associated with physical disability in older adults.

We aimed to evaluate the association between sleep quality and physical disability in community-dwelling older adults. There were 213 community-dwelling adults (76 men and 137 women) aged 65 years and above participated into this investigation. The Groningen Activity Restriction Scale and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index were utilized to evaluate physical disability and subjective sleep quality, respectively. Global functional capacity was measured by the 6-minute walk test (6MWT). The Mini Mental State Examination and the Chinese Geriatric Depression Screening Scale were used to evaluate cognitive function and depression. Univariate analysis revealed a correlation between physical disability and poor sleep quality, older age, 2 or more comorbidities, depression, functional capacity, and poor cognitive function. However, in the multivariate analyses, depression failed to show significant association with physical disability. In contrast, an independent association was observed between poor sleep quality and physical disability (OR = 2.03; 95% CI: 1.02-4.05). In community-dwelling older adults, subjective poor sleep was significantly associated with physical disability, even after controlling for the effects of other established risk factors.

Diagnosis and assessment of apathy in Chinese patients with Alzheimer's disease

BackgroundApathy is a major component of the behavioral and psychological symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Most researchers have reached a consensus on a new set of diagnostic criteria for apathy (DCA) recently. However, no relevant reports on apathy exist for AD patients in Asian countries yet. ObjectivesTo estimate the prevalence of apathy in Chinese AD patients. Methods83 AD patients were recruited for a cross-sectional observational study. Following the new diagnostic criteria for apathy (DCA) and DSM-IV criteria for Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), each patient was assessed successively by Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), the Neuropsychiatric Inventory-apathy subscale (NPI-apathy), the Geriatric Depression Screening scale (GDS), and the Caregiver Burden Scale (CBS). ResultsAccording to the DCA, we found that the frequency of apathy in Chinese AD patients reached 61.4%. The DCA had very good standard validity and internal consistency. The frequency of apathy was not significantly associated with that of depression, whereas there was a significant association between apathy and more severe cognitive deficits. Caregiver burden was significantly associated with severity of apathy. ConclusionsFrom the symptoms of a group of Chinese AD patients, we summarized a set of effective methods for the diagnosis and assessment of apathy.

Impact of depression and activities of daily living on the fear of falling in Korean community‐dwelling elderly

This study determined the predictors of the fear of falling (FOF) in 213 South Korean community-dwelling elderly. The Fall Efficacy Scale, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Korean Geriatric Depression Screening Scale, and Barthel Index were used to measure the FOF, sleep quality, depression, and activities of daily living, respectively. In addition, information regarding the participants' demographic details and the number of types of medication was collected. The data were analyzed by using hierarchical regression. The general regression model, with the FOF as a dependent variable, was statistically significant. The FOF variance was partially explained. Depression and activities of daily living significantly influenced the FOF. Thus, the results indicate that the FOF in community-dwelling elderly Koreans is affected by depression and activities of daily living. Therefore, an older adult with recognized signs of depression must be provided with more appropriate care and the allocation of specific interventional strategies in order to maintain activities of daily living should be developed to manage the FOF.

Evaluation of quality of life (QoL) of students of the University of Third Age (U3A) on the basis of socio-demographic factors and health status

In times of the modern global societies, concern for QoL is a priority for gerontology, being an interdisciplinary field. The aim of this study was to assess the QoL of students of the U3A based on socio-demographic factors, subjectively reported diseases and/or discomfort, and well-being. The study comprised 257 students of the U3A in Poland, located in the city of Bydgoszcz. The study group consisted of 237 women and 20 men at an average age of 64.54 ± 6.01 years. The vast majority of the study group were married individuals and individuals with a secondary education. Just over half of the group stated that they are in good health and have no afflictions. All of the respondents were fully mobile. The QoL was assessed using the Polish version of the WHOQOL-Bref and the geriatric depression screening (GDS) scale. The QoL in its different areas balanced out at a medium level (average range: 13.30–13.87). The level of education of the U3A students proved to have a significant relation ith the environmental domain of QoL. No significant influence of age, gender, or marital statues on the QoL of the U3A students was found. A significant relation between subjectively reported diseases and/or discomfort with the QoL was demonstrated in the physical domain. Nearly 75% of the respondents showed no signs of depressive moods. The occurrence of depression indeed disrupted the QoL in all the studied domains, although least in the physical domain. Elderly individuals participating in permanent education display, in the face of progressive senile involution, average and at the same time stable parameters of QoL in all areas of functioning, which can be considered satisfactory, given this phase of life. The level of QoL of the U3A students significantly denotes the level of education of respondents, existing illnesses and afflictions, and the presents of depression.

A randomized clinical trial of a coping improvement group intervention for HIV-infected older adults

This research tested if a 12-session coping improvement group intervention (n=104) reduced depressive symptoms in HIV-infected older adults compared to an interpersonal support group intervention (n=105) and an individual therapy upon request (ITUR) control condition (n=86). Participants were 295 HIV-infected men and women 50-plus years of age living in New York City, Cincinnati, OH, and Columbus, OH. Using A-CASI assessment methodology, participants provided data on their depressive symptoms using the Geriatric Depression Screening Scale (GDS) at pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 4- and 8-month follow-up. Whether conducted with all participants (N=295) or only a subset of participants diagnosed with mild, moderate, or severe depressive symptoms (N=171), mixed models analyses of repeated measures found that both coping improvement and interpersonal support group intervention participants reported fewer depressive symptoms than ITUR controls at post-intervention, 4-month follow-up, and 8-month follow-up. The effect sizes of the differences between the two active interventions and the control group were greater when outcome analyses were limited to those participants with mild, moderate, or severe depressive symptoms. At no assessment period did coping improvement and interpersonal support group intervention participants differ in depressive symptoms.

The clinical and rehabilitative complexity in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB): Experience on a random sample of elderly patients dwelling in an RSA (“Residenza Sanitaria Assistita”) of Catania

This study was aimed at evaluating the occurrence of DLB in a population sample recovered in assisted sanitary residence (RSA = from the Italian name of “Residenza Sanitaria Assistita”) in the Province of Catania. We considered 126 patients from a randomized population recovered in RSA of Viagrande (Catania) in the period from 1st March, 2005 and 31st March, 2007. Those who proved to be demented according to the DSM-III diagnostic protocols, and having a mini mental state examination (MMSE)-score <24 were divided in 2 groups: Group A, all the demented people without the DLB; and Group B, the DLB patients, according to the diagnostic criteria of McKeith. All patients underwent at admission, after 1 month, and at emission the following psychometric and functional tests: MMSE, geriatric depression scale (GDS) [ Yesavage J.A., Brink T.L., Rose T.L., Adey M., 1983. The development and validation of geriatric depression screening scale: a preliminary report. J. Psych. Res. 17, 37], Barthel index (BI), activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL). Particular attention was dedicated to the presence of delirium during the last 15 days before the admission and during the recovery, the mortality and the prevalence of other complaints. The observed data confirm the prevalence of fragility of DLB patients in 20% of them, a fluctuation of the cognitive capacities, a better recovery of the affectivity, a reduced functional autonomy and autosufficiency. In addition, the DLB patients display a major presence of prevalent delirium, compared to the total population of demented patients, while in this last population only incidental delirium episodes occurred during the recovery period (31.6% vs. 16.6%; p < 0.001). In the DLB population decubital lesions occurred more frequently, and were of more severe staging, compared to the controls (45% vs. 27%; p < 0.001). Also, the mortality of the DLB patients was higher (about 30% vs. 17% in 12 months). These data confirm the particularity and higher complexity of the DLB patients recovered in the RSA.

Psychological Intervention Poststroke

See related article, pages 3073–3078. Stroke is distressing and frequently affects mood and behavior.1 The negative impact of mood and adjustment disorders on physical recovery and reintegration is recognized2–4 and makes it even more imperative that early effective interventions are established. However, there has been a failure to respond to this distress at an early stage after stroke, perhaps due to staff viewing distress as an inevitable psychological reaction to a debilitating event or due to a lack of clear guidance around prevention and treatment of mood problems. Later on in the recovery process when this distress has become established as a mood disorder, there has been a failure to react, and care remains suboptimal. The lack of robust evidence to guide treatment is a major contributing factor. Thus far, the results of antidepressant studies in those with established depression have been disappointing with short-term gains not being …

Criterion-based validity and reliability of the Geriatric Depression Screening Scale (GDS-15) in a large validation sample of community-living Asian older adults

Background: Few studies have evaluated the validation of 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) in a heterogeneous population with different age, ethnicity and comorbidities of elderly users of social services in the community. Aims: To assess the criterion validity and reliability of the GDS-15 and its equivalence across different gender, age groups, ethnicity and different comorbidities in community living elderly and nursing homes residents. Method: A validation sample of non-demented 4253 elderly (age ≥ 60 years), who regularly use community based care corner, senior activity center, day care center, sheltered homes and nursing homes were interviewed using the GDS-15. Structured clinical interview (SCID) was used to make DSM-IV diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Results: The overall sensitivity and specificity were 0.97 and 0.95, respectively (area under curve, AUC was 0.98). The overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.80, and intraclass coefficient of test-–retest reliability over 2 weeks was 0.83 and inter-rater reliability was 0.94 (intra-class) and 0.99 (Cohen's kappa). Although some items in the GDS-15 appeared to be biased by gender, age and ethnicity, there were no clinically significant differences in test performance among different age, gender, ethnicity and comorbidities at cutoff of 4/5. Conclusions: The GDS-15 was a reliable and valid screening for MDD across different age, gender, ethnicity and chronic illness status in the community and social service setting.

P03-106 Prevalence of depression among older people living in retirement homes within Penacova county

Objectives:To estimate the prevalence of depression and of depressive symptoms among older people living in retirement homes within Penacova county. to estimate the percentage of elderly depressed people receiving adequate treatment. to study associations between recorded clinical variables and depression.Method:We visited all the retirement homes of Penacova County to interview institutionalized men and women older than 64 years, applying a semi-structured protocol that included GDS (geriatric depression screening scale), MMSE, pain scale, Clock Drawing Test, Barthel Index and BSI (Brief Symptom Inventory).Results:We included 78 subjects (22 Men and 56 Women) with a mean age of 81.3 years. among them 29 were illiterate, 34 had &lt; 4 years of education, 13 had 4 years of education and 2 had a university degree. 56 were widowers and 49 were born in Penacova. the mean GDS value was 17.27. 19,2% were not depressed, 46.1% were depressed and 34,6% were severely depressed.Conclusion:These results suggest that depression is a common problem affecting older people living in retirement homes. A significant percentage of depressed patients were not adequately treated. This study highlights the importance of screening this population for depression.

P3-430: Impact of cognitive impairment on the reliability and construct validation of the QOL-AD scale

Background: To assess the impact of cognitive impairment on the internal consistency and construct validity of the Brazilian version of the Quality of Life (QOL) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) evaluation scale (QOL-AD) (Logsdon, 1999). Methods: The scale was administered to a sample of 60 patients with probable AD, with mild (n 30) and moderate (n 30) dementia, according to NINCDS-ADRDA and DSM-III-R criteria, respectively. Internal consistency was evaluated through Cronbach’s alpha coefficient. Construct validity was determined as follows: 1) Correlation between total scores of patients’ and caregivers’ reports about patients’ QOL with the results of the following measures: MMSE, Geriatric depression screening scale (GDS), Cornell scale for depression in dementia, Physical and Instrumental-Self Maintenance scales (IADLs and BADLs), Neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI) and socio-economic level and; 2) Correlation of the total score of the scale with a generic QOL instrument (WHOQOLbrief). All analyses were performed for both groups of severity. Results: The reliability was excellent for both groups of dementia severity. In mild dementia the patient’s and the relative’s versions in relation to the patient’s QOL (alpha 0.81 and 0.75, respectively). In moderate dementia the alpha values were 0.80 for patient’s report and 0.83 for relative’s report in relation to the patient’s QOL. In the construct validation of the patient’s version for mild dementia, we obtained significant correlations with GDS (-0.76, p 0.01), Cornell (-0.53, p 0.01), NPI (-0.46, p 0.05) and the total score of WHOQOL-brief (0.89, p 0.01). In the caregiver’s version about patient’s quality of life we registered significant correlations with the following measures: GDS (-0.48, p 0.01), Cornell (-0.57, p 0.01), IADLs(-0.36, p 0.05), NPI (-0.62, p 0.01) and total score of WHOQOLbrief(1.00, p 0.01). In the patient’s version for moderate dementia we obtained significant correlations with GDS (-0.45, p 0.05), Cornell (-0.46, p 0.05) and total score of WHOQOL-brief (0.90, p 0.01). In the caregiver’s version about patient’s QOL, significant correlations emerged with Cornell (-0.68, p 0.01), IADLs (-0.41, p 0.05), BADLs (-0.49, p 0.01), NPI (-0.67, p 0.01) and total score of WHOQOL-brief (0.69, p 0.01). Conclusions: The reliability and construct validity of QOL-AD were kept independent from the severity of the disease in this sample of AD patients with mild and moderate dementia.

Cognitive Dysfunctions Associated With PTSD: Evidence from World War II Prisoners of War

The authors aim to delineate cognitive dysfunction associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by evaluating a well-defined cohort of former World War II prisoners of war (POWs) with documented trauma and minimal comorbidities. The authors studied a cross-sectional assessment of neuropsychological performance in former POWs with PTSD, PTSD with other psychiatric comorbidities, and those with no PTSD or psychiatric diagnoses. Participants who developed PTSD had average IQ, while those who did not develop PTSD after similar traumatic experiences had higher IQs than average (approximately 116). Those with PTSD performed significantly less well in tests of selective frontal lobe functions and psychomotor speed. In addition, PTSD patients with co-occurring psychiatric conditions experienced impairment in recognition memory for faces. Higher IQ appears to protect individuals who undergo a traumatic experience from developing long-term PTSD, while cognitive dysfunctions appear to develop with or subsequent to PTSD. These distinctions were supported by the negative and positive correlations of these cognitive dysfunctions with quantitative markers of trauma, respectively. There is a suggestion that some cognitive decrements occur in PTSD patients only when they have comorbid psychiatric diagnoses.

Under-detection of depressed mood in older inpatients and related over-prescription of depression-associated medications

Background: Aging is associated with increased prevalence of depression and with increased use of medications. The aims of this study were to determine the rate of recognition of depressive symptoms and the prevalence of depressed mood among aged inpatients, as well as to assess the use of medications known to enhance depression in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study of cognitively intact patients aged 65 and over, in a general medical ward, was undertaken. Depressed mood was identified using the Geriatric Depression Screening Scale. Data on diagnoses, prescribed medications, psychiatry consultations and medication changes were abstracted from medical charts. Two years following the index hospitalization, data on diagnoses during subsequent admissions were abstracted from computerized records. Results: The study sample comprised 183 elderly patients. 27.3% of them displayed depressed mood. None were diagnosed as suffering from depression, referred to psychiatric consultation, or prescribed antidepressant medication. All patients but one received depression-enhancing medications. Only in four cases were these medications stopped, without attributing the cessation to awareness of the mood disturbance and the potential association with the stopped medication. During the subsequent two years, a state of depression was recorded in only three additional patients. Conclusion: Under-recognition of depressed mood leads to inappropriate management of aged inpatients. Initiation or continuation of depression-associated medications, resulting from under-recognition of depression, may contribute to the prevalence and augment the severity of this disorder.

Depression, anxiety and quality of life scores in seniors after an endurance exercise program

Mood disorders are a frequent problem in old age, and their symptoms constitute an important public health issue. These alterations affect the quality of life mainly by restricting social life. The participation in a regular exercise program is an effective way of reducing or preventing the functional decline associated with aging. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of fitness-endurance activity (at the intensity of Ventilatory Threshold 1 (VT-1)) in depression, anxiety and quality of life scores in seniors. The study involved 46 sedentary seniors aged 60-75 (66.97 +/- 4.80) who were randomly allocated to two groups: 1) Control group, which was neither asked to vary their everyday activities nor to join a regular physical fitness program; and 2) Experimental group, whose members took part in an aerobic fitness program consisting of ergometer cycle sessions 3 times a week on alternate days for six months working at a heart rate corresponding to ventilatory threshold (VT-1) intensity. Subjects were submitted to a basal evaluation using the geriatric depression screening scale--GDS, STAI trait/state (anxiety scale) and SF-36 (quality of life scale). Comparing the groups after the study period, we found a significant decrease in depressive and anxiety scores and an improvement in the quality of life in the experimental group, but no significant changes in the control group. The data suggest that an aerobic exercise program at VT-1 intensity suffices to promote favorable modifications in depressive and anxiety scores to improve the quality of life in seniors.