Preventing late-life depression: a clinical update

2010 ◽  
Vol 22 (8) ◽  
pp. 1216-1224 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C. Baldwin

ABSTRACTBackground: Achieving remission in late-life depressive disorder is difficult; it is far better to prevent depression. In the last ten years there have been a number of clinical studies of the feasibility of prevention.Methods: A limited literature review was undertaken of studies from 2000 specifically concerning the primary prevention of late-life depressive disorder or where primary prevention is a relevant secondary outcome.Results: Selective primary prevention (targeting individuals at risk but not expressing depression) has been shown to be effective for stroke and macular degeneration but not hip fracture. It may also prove effective for the depression associated with caregiving in dementia. Emerging evidence finds effectiveness for indicated prevention (in those identified with subthreshold depression often with other risk factors such as functional limitation). Despite a number of promising risk factors (for example, diet, exercise, vascular risk factors, homocysteine and insomnia), universal prevention of late-life depression (acting to reduce the impact of risk factors at the population level) has no current evidence base, although a population approach might mitigate suicide.Conclusion: Interventions which work in preventing late-life depression include antidepressant medication in standard doses and Problem-Solving Treatment. When integrated into a care model, such as collaborative care, prevention is feasible but more economic studies are needed.

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (7) ◽  
pp. e0254639
Author(s):  
Sheng-Min Wang ◽  
Kyung-do Han ◽  
Nak-Young Kim ◽  
Yoo Hyun Um ◽  
Dong-Woo Kang ◽  
...  

Objective Late-life depression and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) are significant risk factors for dementia. However, studies with a large sample size are needed to clarify their independent and combined risks for subsequent dementia. Methods This nationwide population-based cohort study included all individuals aged 66 years who participated in the National Screening Program between 2009 and 2013 (N = 939,099). Subjects were followed from the day they underwent screening to the diagnosis of dementia, death, or the last follow-up day (December 31, 2017). Results Depressive symptom presentation, recent depressive disorder, and SCD independently increased dementia incidence with adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 1.286 (95% CI:1.255–1.318), 1.697 (95% CI:1.621–1.776), and 1.748 (95% CI: 689–1.808) respectively. Subjects having both SCD and depression had a higher risk (aHR = 2.466, 95% CI:2.383–2.551) of dementia than having depression (aHR = 1.402, 95% CI:1.364–1.441) or SCD (aHR = 1.748, 95% CI:1.689–1.808) alone. Conclusions Depressive symptoms, depressive disorder, and SCD are independent risk factors for dementia. Co-occurring depression and SCD have an additive effect on the risk of dementia; thus, early intervention and close follow up are necessary for patients with co-occurring SCD and depression.


2006 ◽  
Vol 189 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Min Kim ◽  
Robert Stewart ◽  
Sung-Wan Kim ◽  
Su-Jin Yang ◽  
Il-Seon Shin ◽  
...  

BackgroundCausal relationships between vascular factors and late-life depression are controversial.AimsTo investigate prospective associations between risk factors for vascular disease and incidence of late-life depression.MethodOf 661 community participants aged 65 years or over, without depression at baseline, 521 (79%) were re-evaluated 2 years later. At baseline and follow-up, a diagnostic interview for depression was carried out and information on vascular status, disability and cognitive function was gathered.ResultsPre-existing heart disease, incident stroke and lower baseline high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level were significantly associated with incidence of late-life depression, independently of disability and cognitive function.ConclusionsThese results provide some support for a vascular aetiology of late-life depression. However, important risk factors for cerebrovascular disease such as hypertension and diabetes were not implicated, and the associations with lipid levels might still be explained by affective states earlier in life.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
Daniel Joseph Lamport ◽  
Claire Michelle Williams

There is increasing interest in the impact of dietary influences on the brain throughout the lifespan, ranging from improving cognitive development in children through to attenuating ageing related cognitive decline and reducing risk of neurodegenerative diseases. Polyphenols, phytochemicals naturally present in a host of fruits, vegetables, tea, cocoa and other foods, have received particular attention in this regard, and there is now a substantial body of evidence from experimental and epidemiological studies examining whether their consumption is associated with cognitive benefits. The purpose of this overview is to synthesise and evaluate the best available evidence from two sources, namely meta-analyses and systematic reviews, in order to give an accurate reflection of the current evidence base for an association between polyphenols and cognitive benefits. Four meta-analyses and thirteen systematic reviews published between 2017–2020 were included, and were categorised according to whether they reviewed specific polyphenol-rich foods and classes or all polyphenols. A requirement for inclusion was assessment of a behavioural cognitive outcome in humans. A clear and consistent theme emerged that whilst there is support for an association between polyphenol consumption and cognitive benefits, this conclusion is tentative, and by no means definitive. Considerable methodological heterogeneity was repeatedly highlighted as problematic such that the current evidence base does not support reliable conclusions relating to efficacy of specific doses, duration of treatment, or sensitivity in specific populations or certain cognitive domains. The complexity of multiple interactions between a range of direct and indirect mechanisms of action is discussed. Further research is required to strengthen the reliability of the evidence base.


2014 ◽  
Vol 26 (9) ◽  
pp. 1501-1509 ◽  
Author(s):  
Celia F. Hybels ◽  
Carl F. Pieper ◽  
Lawrence R. Landerman ◽  
Martha E. Payne ◽  
David C. Steffens

ABSTRACTBackground:The association between disability and depression is complex, with disability well established as a correlate and consequence of late life depression. Studies in community samples report that greater volumes of cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) seen on brain imaging are linked with functional impairment. These vascular changes are also associated with late life depression, but it is not known if depression is a modifier in the relationship between cerebrovascular changes and functional impairment.Methods:The study sample was 237 older adults diagnosed with major depression and 140 never depressed comparison adults, with both groups assessed at study enrollment. The dependent variable was the number of limitations in basic activities of daily living (ADL), instrumental ADLs, and mobility tasks. The independent variable was the total volume of cerebral white matter lesions or hyperintensities assessed though magnetic resonance imaging.Results:In analyses controlling for age, sex, race, high blood pressure, and cognitive status, a greater volume of WMH was positively associated with the total number of functional limitations as well as the number of mobility limitations among those older adults with late life depression but not among those never depressed, suggesting the association between WMH volume and functional status differs in the presence of late life depression.Conclusions:These findings suggest older patients with both depression and vascular risk factors may be at an increased risk for functional decline, and may benefit from management of both cerebrovascular risk factors and depression.


2004 ◽  
Vol 185 (2) ◽  
pp. 102-107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jae-Min Kim ◽  
Robert Stewart ◽  
Il-Seon Shin ◽  
Jin-Sang Yoon

BackgroundAssociations between vascular risk factors and late-life depression are controversial.AimsTo investigate the association between measures of vascular disease/ risk and depression and confounding and effect modification by APOE genotype and cognitive function.MethodIn a Korean community population aged 65+ (n=732), diagnosis of depression (Geriatric Mental State Schedule) and information on vascular status, disability, APOE genotype and cognitive function were obtained.ResultsPrevious stroke and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level (but neither hypertension nor diabetes) were significantly associated with depression (independently of disability and cognitive function). These associations were stronger in participants with borderline cognitive impairment, although not to a significant extent.ConclusionsExcept for previous stroke and an atherogenic lipid profile, associations between depression and other common risk factors for cerebrovascular disease were not evident.


2012 ◽  
Vol 124 (4) ◽  
pp. 453-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aikaterini Xekardaki ◽  
Micaela Santos ◽  
Patrick Hof ◽  
Eniko Kövari ◽  
Constantin Bouras ◽  
...  

Breathe ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 50-60 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alison McMillan ◽  
Mary J. Morrell

Key pointsSleep disordered breathing (SDB) is common and its prevalence increases with age. Despite this high prevalence, SDB is frequently unrecognised and undiagnosed in older people.There is accumulating evidence that SDB in older people is associated with worsening cardio- cerebrovascular, cognitive and functional outcomes.There is now good evidence to support the use of continuous positive airway pressure therapy in older patients with symptomatic SDB.Educational aimsTo highlight the prevalence and presentation of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) in older people.To inform readers about the risk factors for SDB in older people.To explore the impact of SDB in older people.To introduce current evidence based treatment options for SDB in older people.Sleep disordered breathing (SBD) increases in prevalence as we age, most likely due to physiological and physical changes that occur with ageing. Additionally, SDB is associated with comorbidity and its subsequent polypharmacy, which may increase with increasing age. Finally, the increased prevalence of SDB is intrinsically linked to the obesity epidemic. SDB is associated with serious outcomes in younger people and, likewise, older people. Thus, identification, diagnosis and treatment of SDB is important irrelevant of age. This article reviews the age-related changes contributing to SDB, the epidemiology and the risk factors for SDB in older people, the association of SDB with adverse outcomes, and diagnostic and treatment options for this population.


2018 ◽  
Vol 26 (3) ◽  
pp. S87
Author(s):  
Jason A. Gandelman ◽  
Hakmook Kang ◽  
Warren D. Taylor

BMJ Open ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. e033173
Author(s):  
Macarius Donneyong ◽  
Charles Reynolds ◽  
David Mischoulon ◽  
Grace Chang ◽  
Heike Luttmann-Gibson ◽  
...  

IntroductionCurrent evidence indicates that older racial/ethnic minorities encounter disparities in depression care. Because late-life depression is common and confers major adverse health consequences, it is imperative to reduce disparities in depression care. Thus, the primary objectives of this protocol are to: (1) quantify racial/ethnic disparities in depression treatment and (2) identify and quantify the magnitude of these disparities accountable for by a multifactorial combination of patient, provider and healthcare system factors.Methods and analysisData will be derived from the Vitamin D and Omega-3 Trial-Depression Endpoint Prevention (VITAL-DEP) study, a late-life depression prevention ancillary study to the VITAL trial. A total of 25 871 men and women, aged 50+ and 55+ years, respectively, were randomised in a 2×2 factorial randomised trial of heart disease and cancer prevention to receive vitamin D and/or fish oil for 5 years starting from 2011. Most participants were aged 65+ years old at randomisation. Medicare claims data for over 19 000 VITAL/VITAL-DEP participants were linked to conduct our study.The major study outcomes are depression treatment (antidepressant use and/or receipt of psychotherapy services) and adherence to medication treatment (antidepressant adherence and acceptability). The National Academy of Medicine framework for studying racial disparities was leveraged to select patient-level, provider-level and healthcare system-level variables and to address their potential roles in depression care disparities. Blinder-Oaxaca regression decomposition methods will be implemented to quantify and identify correlates of racial/ethnic disparities in depression treatment and adherence.Ethics and disseminationThis study received Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval from the Partners Healthcare (PHS) IRB, protocol# 2010P001881. We plan to disseminate our results through publication of manuscripts patient engagement activities, such as study newsletters regularly sent out to VITAL participants, and presentations at scientific meetings.Trial registration numberNCT01696435.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document