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Longitudinal Association between Late-Life Depression (LLD) and Frailty: Findings from a Prospective Cohort Study
M K Borges1, C V Romanini, N A Lima
1Ivan Aprahamian, MD, MS, PhD, FACP, FISAD. Group of Investigation on Multimorbidity and Mental Health in Aging (GIMMA). Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Jundiaí Medical School. 250 Francisco Telles st. ZIP 13202-550. Jundiaí. Brazil; E-mail: ivan.aprahamian@gmail.com. Tweeter: @IAprahamian.
The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging
|August 19, 2021
Summary
Late-life depression (LLD) significantly increases the risk of developing frailty in older adults. This study found a 2 to 4-fold higher risk of incident frailty in geriatric outpatients with LLD over one year.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Late-life depression (LLD) is a common condition in older adults.
- Frailty is a geriatric syndrome characterized by decreased resilience to stressors.
- The association between LLD and incident frailty requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between late-life depression and the incidence of frailty.
- To quantify the risk of developing frailty in older adults with LLD.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study with 181 participants aged 60+ in a geriatric outpatient clinic.
- Depression classified as Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) or Subthreshold Depression (STD) using DSM-5 criteria.
- Frailty assessed using the FRAIL questionnaire and the 36-item Frailty Index (FI-36); baseline frail participants excluded.
Main Results:
- LLD was associated with a 2 to 4-fold increased risk of incident frailty.
- Adjusted odds ratios for frailty were 3.07 (FRAIL) and 3.76 (FI-36).
- The FI-36 indicated a higher risk (RR: 3.03) compared to FRAIL (RR: 2.23).
Conclusions:
- Late-life depression is significantly associated with the onset of frailty in geriatric outpatients.
- Findings reinforce longitudinal evidence linking LLD and frailty.
- This association highlights the importance of addressing depression in geriatric care to prevent frailty.
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