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Association Between Depressive Symptoms, Cognitive Status, and the Dual-Task Performance Index in Older Adults: A
Fabiane de Oliveira Brauner1,2, Mariana Oliveira1,2, Daiane Oliveira Hausen1,2
1Biomedical Gerontology Program of the School of Medicine, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
Journal of Aging and Physical Activity
|May 10, 2024
Summary
Depression and low cognitive function significantly impair mobility in older adults. The Geriatric Depression Scale and Mini-Mental Status Examination scores are key predictors of dual-task mobility performance.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Mobility-related dual-task performance is crucial for older adults' independence.
- The Performance Index (P-Index) assesses this ability, but predictive factors are not well-defined.
- Understanding these factors can inform interventions to maintain mobility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify clinicodemographic predictors of the P-Index in community-dwelling older adults.
- To explore associations between P-Index scores and cognitive/depressive status.
- To determine factors influencing dual-task mobility performance.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 120 community-dwelling older adults (mean age 71.3 years).
- Data collected included demographics, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), Mini-Mental Status Examination (MMSE), and instrumented Timed Up and Go (iTUG) test.
- Multinomial multiple regression analysis adjusted for potential confounders.
Main Results:
- Unadjusted analyses identified age, gender, BMI, MMSE, falls history, ethnicity, GDS, alcohol, and education as potential predictors.
- Adjusted analysis revealed GDS and MMSE scores as the sole independent predictors of P-Index classifications (high, intermediate, low).
- Depressive symptoms (higher GDS) and lower cognitive function (lower MMSE) were significantly associated with reduced cognitive-motor performance.
Conclusions:
- Depressive symptoms and impaired cognitive function are significant barriers to dual-task mobility in older adults.
- GDS and MMSE scores are crucial for assessing mobility-related dual-task performance.
- Future research should investigate cognitive stimulation and antidepressant therapies to improve mobility.
