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From Sarcopenia to Depressive Symptoms in Elderly: A Path Analysis
Cedomir Ustevic1,2, Nina Rajovic3, Dejana Stanisavljevic3
1Special Hospital for Medical Rehabilitation "Termal", 22408 Vrdnik, Serbia.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|January 21, 2023
Summary
Quality of life mediates the link between sarcopenia, malnutrition, cognitive issues, and depression in older adults. Improving quality of life can reduce depressive symptoms and mitigate negative health impacts in the elderly.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Public Health
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Sarcopenia is a progressive, age-related muscle disorder characterized by loss of muscle mass and function.
- The elderly population faces complex health challenges, including sarcopenia, malnutrition, cognitive impairment, and depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the intricate relationships between sarcopenia, malnutrition, cognitive impairment, physical activity, and depression in the elderly.
- To examine the mediating role of quality of life in these associations.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 298 elderly patients was conducted.
- Standardized instruments were used to assess sarcopenia, malnutrition risk, cognitive function, physical activity, quality of life, and depressive symptoms.
- Path analysis was employed to evaluate direct and indirect relationships between variables.
Main Results:
- 40% of participants had sarcopenia, and 42.6% exhibited depressive symptoms.
- Quality of life significantly mediated the relationship between sarcopenia, malnutrition, cognitive impairment, low physical activity, and depression.
- Quality of life negatively predicted depressive symptoms, while malnutrition positively predicted depression.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest that quality of life plays a crucial mediating role in the health of the elderly.
- Rehabilitation strategies should focus on screening for sarcopenia and malnutrition, and promoting physical activity to improve mental health outcomes.
- Regenerative medicine and stem cell therapy may offer potential therapeutic avenues for sarcopenia.
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