Educational level as a protective factor against the influence of depressive symptoms on cognition in older adults: implications for functional independence during a 10-year follow-up

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-13
Author(s):  
Irene Cano-López ◽  
Marta Aliño ◽  
Aránzazu Duque ◽  
Paula Martínez ◽  
Mercedes Almela ◽  
...  

ABSTRACT Objectives: To examine whether the educational level moderates the relationship between baseline depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning at 5- and 10-year follow-ups in older adults, considering the association between cognitive functioning and difficulty with activities of daily living (ADL). Design: Using a prospective design, a path analysis was performed. Setting: In-home, face-to-face interviews and self-administered questionnaires, within the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project. Participants: In total, 1,461 participants (mean age = 66.62) were followed up from Wave 1 (baseline) to Wave 2 (at 5 years) and Wave 3 (at 10 years). Measurements: Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline. Cognitive functioning and difficulty with ADL were assessed at baseline and at 5 and 10 years. Results: Educational level moderates the relationship between depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning at 5 years (β = 0.07, SE = 0.03, p = 0.04, Cohen’s f2 = 0.02), being depressive symptoms related to poor cognitive functioning only at low educational levels. Cognitive functioning predicts difficulty with ADL at 5 and 10 years (β = −0.08, SE = 0.03, p = 0.008, Cohen’s f2 = 0.01; β = −0.09, SE = 0.03, p = 0.006, Cohen’s f2 = 0.02). The proposed model yielded excellent fit (CFI = 1.00, RMSEA = 0.0001, 90% CI 0.0001–0.03, SRMR = 0.004, and χ2(8) = 7.16, p = 0.52). Conclusions: Cognitive reserve may act as a protective factor against the effect of depressive symptoms on cognition in older adults, which, in turn, is relevant to their functional independence.

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (5) ◽  
pp. 461-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aaron M. Koenig ◽  
Rishi K. Bhalla ◽  
Meryl A. Butters

AbstractThis brief report provides an introduction to the topic of cognitive functioning in late-life depression (LLD). In addition to providing a review of the literature, we present a framework for understanding the heterogeneity of cognitive outcomes in this highly prevalent disorder. In addition, we discuss the relationship between LLD and dementia, and highlight the importance of regularly assessing cognitive functioning in older adults who present with depressive symptoms. If cognitive deficits are discovered during a neuropsychological assessment, we recommend referral to a geriatric psychiatrist or cognitive neurologist, for evaluation and treatment of the patient’s symptoms. (JINS, 2014, 20, 1–7)


Author(s):  
Letícia Menezes de Oliveira ◽  
Gesualdo Gonçalves de Abrantes ◽  
Gérson da Silva Ribeiro ◽  
Nilza Maria Cunha ◽  
Maria de Lourdes de Farias Pontes ◽  
...  

Abstract The increase in life expectancy and the percentage increase in the older population are related to the reduction in quality of life and social life due to the biopsychosocial changes inherent to the aging process. The present study aimed to verify scientific evidence on the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms among older adults. An integrative review was carried out using the following databases: SCOPUS, PubMed, Medline, Web of Science, CINAHL and PyscINFO, applying the descriptors indexed in the Mesh Terms and DeCS “aged”, “loneliness”, “depression”. The PICOS strategy was used to prepare the title and guiding question and the PRISMA methodological guidelines were used to write the report of this review. A total of 827 articles were identified, of which 23 were selected, 16 from the database and seven through a reverse search. Loneliness and depression have some characteristics in common, so that when one of these conditions develops in older adults, another is stimulated. Thus, loneliness is a major risk factor for the development of depression, just as depression is an aggravating factor for loneliness in older adults.


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yuqin Li ◽  
Jihui Jia ◽  
Xia Zhao ◽  
Dan Zhang

Abstract Background: Loneliness and depression are common mental health concerns among older adults in rural China. Loneliness has been identified as a risk factor for depressive symptoms, while preparation for future care can be a protective factor. Little is known about the complex relationships among these factors in rural older adults. This study aimed to explore whether preparation for future care moderated the association between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Methods: A total of 481 rural older adults aged 60 years and above were recruited in Shandong, China. Loneliness, preparation for future care, and depressive symptoms were measured. Statistical analyses included d escriptive analysis, univariate analyses, and moderating effects analyses. Results: Our findings showed that preparation for future care and its related dimensions of gathering information, making decisions, and concrete planning can moderate the relationship between loneliness and depression. When the level of preparation for future care and its dimensions were higher, the effect of loneliness on depressive symptoms was weaker. Conclusions: As the first study on how preparation for future care moderates the relationship between loneliness and depression in rural older adults, the findings are significant. Preparation for future care should be taken into consideration when interventions are being developed to reduce depressive symptoms in older adults.


Author(s):  
Manqiong Yuan ◽  
Hanhan Fu ◽  
Ruoyun Liu ◽  
Ya Fang

Background: Sleep quality and depression are two reciprocal causation socioemotional factors and their roles in the relationship between physical exercise and cognition are still unclear. Methods: A face-to-face survey of 3230 older adults aged 60+ was conducted in Xiamen, China, in 2016. Frequency of exercise (FOE) referred to the number of days of exercise per week. Quality of sleep (QOS) was categorized into five levels: very poor/poor/fair/good/excellent. The 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to measure depression (DEP) and cognitive function (CF), respectively. Serial multiple mediator models were used. All mediation analyses were analyzed using the SPSS PROCESS macro. Results: 2469 respondents had valid data with mean scores for GDS-15 and MoCA being 1.87 and 21.61, respectively. The direct path from FOE to CF was significant (c’= 0.20, p < 0.001). A higher FOE was associated with better QOS (B = 0.04, p < 0.01), which in turn was associated with fewer symptoms of DEP (B = −0.40, p < 0.001), and further contributed to better CF (B = −0.24, p < 0.001). Similarly, a higher FOE was associated with lower GDS-15 scores (B = −0.17, p < 0.001) which then resulted in higher MoCA scores (B = −0.24, p < 0.001). However, QOS alone did not alter the relationship between FOE and CF. Conclusions: FOE is a protective factor of CF in older adults. Moreover, CF is influenced by QOS through DEP, without which the working path may disappear.


GeroPsych ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 33 (4) ◽  
pp. 246-251
Author(s):  
Gozde Cetinkol ◽  
Gulbahar Bastug ◽  
E. Tugba Ozel Kizil

Abstract. Depression in older adults can be explained by Erikson’s theory on the conflict of ego integrity versus hopelessness. The study investigated the relationship between past acceptance, hopelessness, death anxiety, and depressive symptoms in 100 older (≥50 years) adults. The total Beck Hopelessness (BHS), Geriatric Depression (GDS), and Accepting the Past (ACPAST) subscale scores of the depressed group were higher, while the total Death Anxiety (DAS) and Reminiscing the Past (REM) subscale scores of both groups were similar. A regression analysis revealed that the BHS, DAS, and ACPAST predicted the GDS. Past acceptance seems to be important for ego integrity in older adults.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A67-A67
Author(s):  
Sonya Kaur ◽  
Katalina McInerney ◽  
Mitchell Slugh ◽  
Annelly Bure ◽  
Marina Sarno ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Frailty, a multidimensional construct of decreased reserve is an important predictor of functional independence and quality of life in older adults. There is a growing body of evidence highlighting reduced sleep efficiency and sleep duration predicts frailty in older adults. However, the sex differences in these relationships have been understudied. Methods 253 participants (163) ranging in age from 50-92 years (mean= 67.59 years, S.D.= 9.22 years), underwent frailty assessment and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS). Statistical moderation was assessed using nonparametric bootstrapping. All models statistically controlled for age, education and depression status. Results Higher scores on the PSQI predicted higher levels of fatigue (β=1.87, 95% CI= 0.48-3.27) and higher grip strength with the left hand (β= 0.81, 95% CI= 0.85-1.53). These relationships were significantly moderated by sex (β=-0.77, p=0.05 & β=-0.52, p=0.01). Specifically, high scores on the PSQI predicted more fatigue stronger grip strength in men (β=1.11, 95% CI=0.41-1.81) and weaker grip strength in women (β=-0.25, 95% CI=-0.51--0.02). There was no association between scores on the ESS and any of the frailty measures. Conclusion The relationships between PSQI scores and measures of fatigue and grip strength were statistically moderated by sex. These differences are not explained by sex differences in overall sleep quality or baseline frailty. This is consistent with the literature emphasizing sex differences in the effects of risk/lifestyle factors. It is possible that the relationship between sleep quality and frailty is altered by additional hormonal factors and warrant further investigation. Support (if any) This research was supported by the Evelyn F. McKnight Brain Research Foundation


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 159-159
Author(s):  
Tiana Broen ◽  
Tomiko Yoneda ◽  
Jonathan Rush ◽  
Jamie Knight ◽  
Nathan Lewis ◽  
...  

Abstract Previous cross-sectional research suggests that age-related decreases in Rapid-Eye Movement (REM) sleep may contribute to poorer cognitive functioning (CF); however, few studies have examined the relationship at the intraindividual level by measuring habitual sleep over multiple days. Applying a 14-day daily diary design, the current study examines the dynamic relationship between REM sleep and CF in 69 healthy older adults (M age=70.8 years, SD=3.37; 73.9% female; 66.6% completed at least an undergraduate degree). A Fitbit device provided actigraphy indices of REM sleep (minutes and percentage of total sleep time), while CF was measured four times daily on a smartphone via ambulatory cognitive tests that captured processing speed and working memory. This research addressed the following questions: At the within-person level, are fluctuations in quantity of REM sleep associated with fluctuations in next day cognitive measures across days? Do individuals who spend more time in REM sleep on average, perform better on cognitive tests than adults who spend less time in REM sleep? A series of multilevel models were fit to examine the extent to which each index of sleep accounted for daily fluctuations in performance on next day cognitive tests. Results indicated that during nights when individuals had more REM sleep minutes than was typical, they performed better on the working memory task the next morning (estimate = -.003, SE = .002, p = .02). These results highlight the impact of REM sleep on CF, and further research may allow for targeted interventions for earlier treatment of sleep-related cognitive impairment.


2017 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-45 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun Young Choi ◽  
Young Sun Kim ◽  
Hee Yun Lee ◽  
Hye Ri Shin ◽  
SeolWoo Park ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 420-425
Author(s):  
Hamed Mortazavi ◽  
Mahbubeh Tabatabaeichehr ◽  
Masoumeh Taherpour ◽  
Mohadece Masoumi

Objective : Doingactivities of daily living can bring independence for the elderly. It can also maintain their health and social participation. However, experience of falls and fear of falling can affect the health and personal social life of the elderly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between falls and fear of falling with activities of daily living in older adults. Materials and methods : Four hundred and fifty elderly persons were enrolled in this cross-sectional study using cluster sampling. Demographic variables, Fall Efficacy Scale- International (FES-I) and questionnaires related to the study of activities of daily living were employed. To investigate advanced activities of daily living, open-ended questions were used. The history of falls within the last 12 months was investigated. Results : Mean score of basic activities of daily living in the elderly being studied was 15.49±1.74, and 95.4% of them were independent in doing these activities.Mean score of instrumental activities of daily living was 11.30±3.36, and 71.5% of them were independent in doing these activities. Participation of elderly persons in social activities was reported to be 77.9%. There was a significant relationship between activities of daily living (basic, instrumental, and advanced) and falls and fear of falling (p<0.05). Conclusion : Falls and fear of falling reduce the independence of elderly persons in doing activities of daily living. Bangladesh Journal of Medical Science Vol.20(2) 2021 p.420-425


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document