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Changes in depression and physical decline in older adults: a longitudinal perspective
B W Penninx1, D J Deeg, J T van Eijk
1Institute for Research in Extramural Medicine, Vrije Universiteit, v. d. Boechorststraat 7, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. bwjh.penninx.emgo@med.vu.nl
Journal of Affective Disorders
|December 2, 2000
Summary
Chronic depression significantly accelerates physical decline in older adults. Early depression treatment may prevent future physical decline, as remitted depression showed no adverse effects on physical function.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The long-term effects of persistent or changing depression on physical functioning in older adults remain unclear.
- Understanding the relationship between depression chronicity and physical decline is crucial for geriatric care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of chronic, emerging, and remitted depression on physical decline in community-dwelling older persons.
- To compare physical function changes over three years among different depression status groups.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study of 2121 individuals aged 55-85 years.
- Assessed depression using the CES-D scale at two time points over three years.
- Measured physical function via self-reported ability and observed performance tests.
Main Results:
- Chronic depression was linked to significantly greater decline in self-reported physical ability (OR=2.83) and observed performance in the oldest old (OR=2.22).
- Emerging depression showed comparable negative effects on physical decline.
- Remitted depression did not correlate with increased physical decline compared to never depressed individuals.
Conclusions:
- The chronicity of depression significantly contributes to physical decline in older adults.
- Early identification and treatment of depression in the elderly may serve as a protective measure against subsequent physical deterioration.
- Remission of depression appears to mitigate the negative impact on physical function.