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Depression predicts cognitive disorders in older primary care patients
Lisa L Boyle1, Anton P Porsteinsson, Xingjia Cui
1Department of Psychiatry, Box Psych, University of Rochester Medical Center, 300 Crittenden Blvd, Rochester, NY 14642, USA. Lisa_Boyle@urmc.rochester.edu
The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
|February 5, 2010
Summary
Older adults with depression face a significantly higher risk of developing dementia or cognitive disorders. Early monitoring for cognitive decline is crucial for those with depressive symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is a common condition in older adults.
- The relationship between depression and cognitive decline requires further investigation in primary care settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if depression independently increases the risk of new-onset dementia or cognitive disorder not otherwise specified (NOS) in elderly primary care patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective 3-year cohort study involving 470 patients aged 65+ without baseline cognitive disorders.
- Diagnoses of major depressive disorder (MDD), minor depression (MinD), and depressive symptom severity were assessed annually.
- Cognitive function was evaluated using the Mini-Mental State Exam and other validated tests to identify dementia or cognitive disorder NOS.
Main Results:
- Over 3 years, 13% of subjects (36 individuals) developed dementia or cognitive disorder NOS.
- Both MDD (HR=3.68) and MinD (HR=1.84) were significant predictors of incident cognitive disorders.
- Higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores also predicted increased risk (HR=1.07), even after adjusting for age, gender, and education.
Conclusions:
- Depressive disorders are independently associated with an elevated risk of developing dementia or cognitive disorder NOS in older primary care populations.
- Healthcare providers should closely monitor elderly patients with depression for signs of cognitive impairment.
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