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Late-life depression is associated with arterial stiffness: a population-based study
Henning Tiemeier1, Monique M B Breteler, Nicole M van Popele
1Department of Epidemiology Biostatistics, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|August 2, 2003
Summary
Older adults with stiffer arteries are more likely to experience depressive symptoms. This suggests arterial stiffness may contribute to depression in the elderly, supporting the vascular depression hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Arterial stiffness is a marker of vascular aging.
- Depression is a common condition in the elderly population.
- The relationship between vascular health and mental health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between arterial stiffness and depression in elderly individuals.
- To explore the potential role of vascular factors in the development of depression.
Main Methods:
- A population-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 3,704 participants aged 60 and older.
- Arterial stiffness was measured using carotid artery distensibility and carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity.
- Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, with diagnoses confirmed by psychiatric evaluation.
Main Results:
- Increased arterial stiffness was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of depressive symptoms.
- Odds ratios for depressive symptoms increased with decreased carotid distensibility and increased aortic pulse wave velocity.
- The association was stronger for diagnosed depressive disorders and remained significant after controlling for atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Arterial stiffness is associated with depression in the elderly.
- These findings support the vascular depression hypothesis.
- Arterial stiffness may be a contributing factor to the link between vascular factors and depression.