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[Depression in the elderly: prevalence and associated factors]
M Sarró-Maluquer1, A Ferrer-Feliu, Y Rando-Matos
1Medicina de Familia y Comunitaria, Centro de Atención Primaria Florida Norte, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España.
Semergen
|October 8, 2013
Summary
This study found a high prevalence of depression in 85-year-olds. Low physical activity and increased exhaustion were significantly associated with depression in this elderly population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Depression is a significant health concern in the elderly population.
- Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of depression in very old adults is crucial for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depression among community-dwelling 85-year-olds.
- To identify factors associated with depression in this age group.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 220 individuals aged 85.
- Utilized geriatric assessments including functional status (Barthel, Lawton indices), cognitive function (MMSE), social risk (Gijon), and comorbidity (Charlson index).
- Depression was assessed using the 5-item Yesavage Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS ≥ 2), and data on physical activity, exhaustion, and psychotropic medication use were collected.
Main Results:
- The prevalence of depression was 34.5% by GDS, with 20.9% having depression in clinical records.
- Depression was associated with poorer functional status, cognitive impairment, exhaustion, low physical activity, and psychotropic drug use.
- Low physical activity and increased exhaustion were significantly associated with depression.
Conclusions:
- A high prevalence of depression was observed in individuals over 85 years old.
- Maintaining physical activity and a good self-perception of energy are linked to a lower prevalence of depression in the elderly.
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