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Updated: Jul 22, 2026
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Application of Granger Causality Analysis of the Directed Functional Connection in Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Published on: August 7, 2017
Depression, cognitive impairment and function in Alzheimer's disease
D A Espiritu1, H Rashid, B T Mast
1Wayne State University, Institute of Gerontology, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Detroit MI 48202, USA. despirit@med.wayne.edu
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
|December 18, 2001
Summary
Self-reported depression in dementia patients, measured by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), is linked to their functional decline. This finding highlights the value of patient self-reports in assessing dementia care needs.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is prevalent in dementia patients, complicating their care and contributing to functional decline.
- Assessing depression in dementia is challenging due to questions about the validity of patient self-reports.
- Existing research highlights the complex interplay between depression and dementia progression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between self-reported depression (Geriatric Depression Scale - GDS) and functional abilities (Instrumental Activities of Daily Living - IADL scale) in dementia patients.
- To determine if GDS scores predict IADL performance beyond demographic factors and cognitive status.
- To validate the utility of patient self-reported depression in understanding functional decline in dementia.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study at the Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Research Center.
- 141 participants (67% African American, 33% European American) with dementia.
- Statistical analyses included correlational and multiple regression models using GDS and IADL scores, controlling for demographics and cognition.
Main Results:
- Self-reported depression via GDS was significantly related to functional decline as measured by the IADL scale.
- The relationship between GDS scores and IADL performance persisted after accounting for demographic variables and cognitive status.
- These findings support the predictive value of self-reported depression in dementia patients' functioning.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported depression using the Geriatric Depression Scale is a valuable indicator of functional decline in individuals with dementia.
- Caregiver-rated functional abilities are influenced by patient-reported depressive symptoms.
- Incorporating patient self-assessments of depression can enhance the understanding and management of dementia care.
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