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Published on: February 8, 2019
Predictors of self-neglect in community-dwelling elders
Robert C Abrams1, Mark Lachs, Gail McAvay
1Weill Medical College of Cornell University, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Cornell University Medical Center, Box 140, 525 E. 68th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. rabrams@med.cornell.edu
Depression and cognitive impairment significantly predict self-neglect in older adults. Early identification of these conditions can help prevent self-neglect in the elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Epidemiology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Self-neglect is a growing concern among community-dwelling elderly individuals.
- Depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment are prevalent in older populations and may influence health behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the predictive value of depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment for self-neglect in community-dwelling older adults.
- To identify risk factors associated with the development of self-neglect.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the New Haven Established Populations for Epidemiologic Studies of the Elderly cohort (n=2,812).
- Longitudinal follow-up for 9 years (1982-1991) to determine the incidence of corroborated self-neglect.
- Assessment of baseline depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale) and cognitive impairment (Pfeiffer Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire).
Main Results:
- 92 cases of self-neglect occurred among 2,161 subjects over 9 years.
- 15.4% prevalence of significant depressive symptoms and 7.5% prevalence of significant cognitive impairment at baseline.
- Both depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment were significant independent predictors of self-neglect, even after adjusting for demographic and socioeconomic factors.
Conclusions:
- Clinically significant depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment are key risk factors for self-neglect in older adults.
- These findings highlight the importance of screening for depression and cognitive decline in community-dwelling elderly individuals.
- Intervention strategies targeting depression and cognitive impairment may help prevent self-neglect.
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