The relationship between Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment parameters and depression in elderly patients

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Psychiatry
• Internal Medicine

Background:

• Depression is a prevalent and serious condition in the elderly population.
• Delayed diagnosis and treatment of geriatric depression lead to adverse outcomes.
• Early identification is crucial for effective management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) parameters and depression in elderly patients.
• To identify specific CGA indicators linked to geriatric depression.
• To inform early screening and intervention strategies.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 211 elderly patients (≥65 years) from a CGA database.
• Data collected included general characteristics, chronic diseases, nutritional status (Mini Nutritional Assessment), daily living ability, anthropometrics (BMI, calf circumference), and biochemical markers (albumin).
• Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to determine associations with depression screened by the Geriatric Depression Scale.

Main Results:

• Elderly patients with cardiovascular diseases had a 6.011 times higher risk of depression (p < 0.001).
• Peptic ulcer disease was associated with a 4.352 times higher risk of depression (p < 0.001).
• Increased Mini Nutritional Assessment scores, calf circumference, and albumin levels were significantly associated with a reduced risk of depression.

Conclusions:

• Specific CGA parameters, including cardiovascular disease, peptic ulcer disease, nutritional status, calf circumference, and albumin, are significantly associated with depression in the elderly.
• The Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment framework is a valuable tool for the early identification of depression in older adults.
• Integrating CGA into routine care can improve the detection and management of geriatric depression.