scholarly journals Differences in the Associations Between Memory Complaints and Depressive Symptoms Among Black and White Older Adults

2018 ◽  
Vol 75 (4) ◽  
pp. 783-791 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikki L Hill ◽  
Jacqueline Mogle ◽  
Sakshi Bhargava ◽  
Emily Whitaker ◽  
Iris Bhang ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective To test whether race (specifically Black or White) moderates the relationship between memory complaints and depressive symptoms in cognitively normal older adults, and if these relationships vary by memory complaint characteristics. Methods Data from Black (n = 551) and White (n = 1,158) cognitively intact participants (Mage = 77.1, SD = 7.5; 76.6% female) in the Minority Aging Research Study and the Rush Memory and Aging Project were used. Participants completed annual clinical evaluations, including the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale and two memory complaint questions, over periods of up to 18 years. Ordinal mixed effects models were used to examine within-person relationships between memory complaints and depressive symptoms over time, as well as whether race moderated these associations. Results Reports of greater memory change over time were associated with more depressive symptoms for both Black and White older adults. However, reports of greater frequency of memory problems were related to depressive symptoms for Black older adults only. Conclusion Findings suggest differential associations between memory complaints and depressive symptoms in cognitively normal Black and White older adults and call for future research to examine the influence of race and related factors on memory complaints and depressive symptoms.

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Nikki L. Hill ◽  
Sakshi Bhargava ◽  
Emily Bratlee-Whitaker ◽  
Jennifer R. Turner ◽  
Monique J. Brown ◽  
...  

Background: Subjective cognitive decline (SCD) may be an early indicator of cognitive impairment, but depressive symptoms can confound this relationship. Associations may be influenced by differences between individuals (i.e., between-persons) or how each individual changes in their experiences over time (i.e., within-persons). Objective: We examined depressive symptoms as a mediator of the between- and within-person associations of SCD and objective memory in older adults. Methods: Coordinated analyses were conducted across four datasets drawn from large longitudinal studies. Samples (range: n = 1,889 to n = 15,841) included participants 65 years of age or older with no dementia at baseline. We used multilevel structural equation modeling to examine the mediation of SCD and objective memory through depressive symptoms, as well as direct relationships among SCD, objective memory, and depressive symptoms. Results: Older adults who were more likely to report SCD had lower objective memory on average (between-person associations), and depressive symptoms partially mediated this relationship in three of four datasets. However, changes in depressive symptoms did not mediate the relationship between reports of SCD and declines in objective memory in three of four datasets (within-person associations). Conclusion: Individual differences in depressive symptoms, and not changes in an individual’s depressive symptoms over time, partially explain the link between SCD and objective memory. Older adults with SCD and depressive symptoms may be at greater risk for poor cognitive outcomes. Future research should explore how perceived changes in memory affect other aspects of psychological well-being, and how these relationships influence cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease risk.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (5) ◽  
Author(s):  
Harry O Taylor ◽  
Ann W Nguyen

Abstract Background and Objectives Loneliness is consistently linked to worse depression/depressive symptoms; however, there are few studies that have examined whether the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms varies by race. The purpose of this study was to determine whether race moderated the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms. Research Design and Methods Data come from the 2014 wave of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) Core survey and Psychosocial Leave-Behind Questionnaire; only black and white older adults were included in the analysis (N = 6,469). Depressive symptoms were operationalized by the eight-item Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression scale; however, the “felt lonely” item was removed given concerns with collinearity. Loneliness was operationalized using the Hughes 3-Item Loneliness Scale. Sociodemographic variables included gender, age, education, household income, employment status, marital status, and living alone or with others. Furthermore, social support and negative interactions from family members and friends, and religious service attendance were included in the analysis. Lastly, we created an interaction term between race and loneliness. All analyses used survey weights to account for the complex multistage sampling design of the HRS. Missing data were multiply imputed. Results In multivariable analysis, we found race significantly moderated the relationship between loneliness and depressive symptoms while controlling for sociodemographic covariates, social support and negative interaction variables, and religious service attendance. Discussion and Implications Our findings demonstrate a differential racial effect for loneliness and depressive symptoms. For both blacks and whites, greater loneliness affected depressive symptoms; however, the effect was stronger among whites than it was for blacks. Given this is one of the first studies to examine the differential effects of race on loneliness and depressive symptoms, more research is necessary to determine the consistency of these results.


2020 ◽  
Vol 76 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-156 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laurel Cherian ◽  
Yamin Wang ◽  
Thomas Holland ◽  
Puja Agarwal ◽  
Neelum Aggarwal ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Depression is common in older adults and more prevalent in those with cognitive impairment, vascular risk factors, or stroke. Nonpharmacologic strategies to reduce depression, such as diet, may be effective; however, few studies have investigated the relation. Methods A total of 709 participants (23.3% men, mean age 80.4), from an observational prospective cohort study were assessed annually for an average of 6.53 years of follow-up. Participants with missing or invalid baseline dietary evaluations or fewer than two depression assessments were excluded. Depressive symptoms were assessed with a 10-item version of the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale. High burden of depressive symptoms was defined as the presence of four or more depressive symptoms. Diet scores were computed using a validated food frequency questionnaire for the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, Mediterranean diet, Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay (MIND) diet, and Western diets. Diet scores were modeled in tertiles. A generalized estimating equation (GEE) model was performed for the longitudinal analysis of depression as a binary outcome. Results Participants in the highest tertile of the DASH (β = −0.10, confidence interval [CI]: −0.20, −0.0064) and MIND (β = −0.12, CI: −0.23, −0.0092) diet scores had lower rates of depressive symptoms over time when compared to those in the respective lowest tertiles. The Western diet was positively associated with depressive symptoms over time (β = 0.093, p-trend = .05). Conclusions Diet may be effective in reducing depressive symptoms in older adults. A diet intervention trial may be needed to determine the optimal nutritional components for prevention of late onset depression.


2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (3) ◽  
pp. 135-143
Author(s):  
Samantha E. John ◽  
Sarah A. Evans ◽  
John Hanfelt ◽  
David W. Loring ◽  
Felicia C. Goldstein

Objective: Subjective memory complaints (SMCs) are associated with mild cognitive impairment and dementia but are understudied in African Americans (AAs). We compared SMC endorsement in white and AA participants and evaluated predictors of diagnostic progression. Methods: Initial visit variables, including SMC and memory performance, were compared within a cognitively normal race-matched sample of white and AA participants ( N total = 912; 456each race) to assess the presence and predictors of SMC, the predictors of future diagnostic progression, and the change in memory performance over time. Results: More white (32.9%) than AA (24.3%) participants reported SMC ( P < .01, ϕ = −.10). Subjective memory complaint was predicted by memory performance ( B = −0.03, standard error [SE] = 0.013, odds ratio [OR] = .968, P < .05) and race ( B = −0.99, SE = 0.080, OR = .373, P < .001). Subjective memory complaints and memory performance were associated with progression, χ2 (3, n = 912) = 102.37, P < .001. African American race (−2.05 ± 0.24 SE) and SMC (−0.45 ± 0.21 SE) were associated with worse memory performance at baseline and over time, χ 2(3) = 13.54, P < .01. Conclusions: In contrast to previous research, our study found that SMC is associated with diagnostic progression and objective memory declines in both white and AA participants.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 425-425
Author(s):  
Rebecca Lorenz ◽  
Samantha Auerbach ◽  
Yu-Ping Chang

Abstract Unhealthy alcohol consumption such as binge drinking and depression are common problems among adults. The combined effect of binge drinking and depression might contribute to negative health outcomes, such as accidents, addiction, or sleep problems. Previous evidence has indicated that alcohol consumption differs by age. However, little is known about the association between binge drinking, depression, and sleep health, and how age might play a role in this association. This study aimed to examine the association between binge drinking, depressive symptoms, and sleep health in middle-aged and older adults and characterize any age differences. A total of 5191 middle-aged and older adults from the 2014 Core Survey of the Health and Retirement Survey (HRS) data aged 50 to 80 were included for this study. Binge drinking was defined as the consumption of 5 or more drinks (men) and 4 or more drinks (women) per drinking day. Depressive symptoms were measured using a validated 8-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale. Sleep health was assessed using a composite measure. Age was grouped into middle-aged (50-64.9 years) and older (65-79.9 years) adults. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to examine the associations between variables of interest. Our findings indicated that binge drinking and depressive symptoms negatively influenced sleep health among middle-aged adults, however this relationship was not found in older adults. Clinicians should simultaneously assess problematic alcohol consumption, depressive symptoms, and sleep health. Future research can develop and test age-specific interventions to reduce unhealthy drinking behaviors in middle-aged adults.


2019 ◽  
pp. e000183
Author(s):  
Shervin Assari ◽  
Arash Javanbakht ◽  
Mohammed Saqib ◽  
Hamid Helmi ◽  
Mohsen Bazargan ◽  
...  

Background. Black-White differences are reported in social, psychological, behavioral, medical, and biological correlates of depression. This study was conducted to compare Black and White older adults for the association between neuroticism polygenic risk score (N-PRS) and chronicity of depressive symptoms over 20 years. Methods. Data came from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), 1990 – 2012, a nationally representative sample of Americans above age 50. Current analysis followed 9,249 individuals (7,924 Whites and 1,325 Blacks) for up to 22 years. Depressive symptoms were measured every two years between 1992 and 2012 using the 8-item Center for Epidemiological Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D-8). The independent variable was N-PRS. The dependent variable was average depressive symptoms between 1992 and 2012. Linear regression was used for data analysis. Results. In the pooled sample, higher N-PRS was associated with higher average depressive symptoms over the 20-year follow up period [b=0.01, 95%CI=0.00 to 0.04], net of all covariates. We also found an interaction between race and N-PRS [b=-0.02, 95%CI=-0.03 to 0.00], suggesting a stronger effect of N-PRS on 20-year average depressive symptoms for Whites than Blacks. Based on our race-specific linear regression models, higher N-PRS was associated with higher depressive symptoms from 1992 to 2012 for Whites [b=0.01, 95%CI=0.01 to 0.02] but not Blacks [b=0.00, 95%CI=-0.02 to 0.02]. Conclusion. Black and White older adults may differ in the salience of the existing N-PRS for depressive symptoms, which better reflects the burden of depression for Whites than Blacks. This may be because the existing PRSs are derived from mostly or exclusively White samples, limiting their applicability in other race groups. Racial variation in psychosocial, clinical, and biological correlates of depression needs further research.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nikki L Hill ◽  
Jacqueline Mogle ◽  
Sakshi Bhargava ◽  
Emily Bratlee-Whitaker ◽  
Rachel K Wion ◽  
...  

Abstract Background and Objectives Self-perceptions of memory problems may impact older adults’ mood as well as their activity participation, thereby negatively affecting health and well-being. We examined within-person associations among self-reported memory, depressive symptoms, as well as physical, social, and cognitive activity participation in older adults without cognitive impairment. Research Design and Methods Samples were drawn from the Einstein Aging Study (EAS), National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), Rush Memory and Aging Project (MAP), and Minority Aging Research Study (MARS), with over 8,000 participants (65+ years) included across datasets. In a series of coordinated analyses, multilevel structural equation modeling was used to examine within-person relationships over periods of up to 20 years. Results Across EAS, NHATS, and MAP/MARS samples, we found that older adults’ self-perceptions of memory did not directly co-vary with activity participation over time. However, we did find an indirect association in NHATS such that within-person changes in depressive symptoms were associated with changes in self-reported memory, and these contributed to lower physical as well as social activity participation. Discussion and Implications Older adults’ activity participation is important for health, but maximizing engagement requires understanding potentially impeding factors. We found some evidence that as self-perceptions of memory change over time, associated depressive symptoms may contribute to lower activity participation. Inconsistent findings across data sets, however, suggest future research is needed to understand individual characteristics that may influence these relationships.


SLEEP ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 44 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. A150-A151
Author(s):  
Jamie Walker ◽  
Rebecca Campbell ◽  
Ivan Vargas

Abstract Introduction Insomnia and depression are highly comorbid and have been shown to be independently associated with lower levels of physical activity. It is not clear, however, if being less physically active is a risk factor for or consequence of depression and insomnia. The factors that explain the associations between insomnia, depression, and physical activity are likely complex and overlapping. For example, insomnia may predict inactivity by impacting one’s energy levels, leaving them too tired to exercise. Insomnia may also interfere with one’s motivation to exercise due to low mood, as insomnia is associated with the development of depressive symptoms. The purpose of the present study was to explore whether depression mediated the link between insomnia and low levels of physical activity. Methods A national online survey was conducted from April-June 2020. Participants completed surveys to assess demographics, mood, sleep, and physical activity. Depressive symptoms were estimated with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Insomnia symptoms were estimated with the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). Physical activity levels were estimated with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression, with separate models for depression, insomnia, and the combination of the two, on levels of physical activity. Results 3,952 adults (Mage = 46.9 years) completed the survey. According to the unadjusted models, greater insomnia symptoms were associated with greater depressive symptoms (b = 0.4523, SE = 0.019593, p &lt; .001), and lower levels of physical activity (b = -38.741, SE = 18.236, p = 0.0337). The relationship between insomnia and physical activity was no longer significant, however, when controlling for depression (b = -6.140, SE = 19.274, p = 0.75). According to the mediation analyses, there was an indirect effect of insomnia on physical activity that was explained by differences in depressive symptoms (Sobel Test = -4.895, SE = 6.518, p &lt; .001). Conclusion Our findings support previous research indicating associations between symptoms of insomnia and depression and physical activity. Future research should examine if these same results hold using a longitudinal design. Support (if any) Vargas: K23HL141581


Author(s):  
Yuri Sasaki ◽  
Yugo Shobugawa ◽  
Ikuma Nozaki ◽  
Daisuke Takagi ◽  
Yuiko Nagamine ◽  
...  

The aim of the study was to investigate rural–urban differences in depressive symptoms in terms of the risk factors among older adults of two regions in Myanmar to provide appropriate intervention for depression depending on local characteristics. This cross-sectional study, conducted between September and December, 2018, used a multistage sampling method to recruit participants from the two regions, for face-to-face interviews. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Depressive symptoms were positively associated with living in rural areas (B = 0.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.12,0.72), female (B = 0.55; 95% CI: 0.31,0.79), illness during the preceding year (B = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.45,0.91) and non-Buddhist religion (B = 0.57; 95% CI: 0.001,1.15) and protectively associated with education to middle school level or higher (B = −0.61; 95% CI: −0.94, −0.28) and the frequency of visits to religious facilities (B = −0.20; 95% CI: −0.30, −0.10). In women in urban areas, depressive symptoms were positively associated with illness during the preceding year (B = 0.78; 95% CI: 0.36, 1.20) and protectively associated with education to middle school level or higher (B = −0.67; 95% CI: −1.23, −0.11), middle or high wealth index (B = −0.92; 95% CI: −1.59, −0.25) and the frequency of visits to religious facilities (B = −0.20; 95% CI: −0.38, −0.03). In men in rural areas, illness during the preceding year was positively associated with depressive symptoms (B = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.33, 1.42). In women in rural areas, depressive symptoms were positively associated with illness during the preceding year (B = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.36, 1.30) and protectively associated with primary education (B = −0.62; 95% CI: −1.12, −0.12) and the frequency of visits to religious facilities (B = −0.44; 95% CI: −0.68, −0.21). Religion and wealth could have different levels of association with depression between older adults in the urban and rural areas and men and women. Interventions for depression in older adults should consider regional and gender differences in the roles of religion and wealth in Myanmar.


Author(s):  
Juyeong Kim ◽  
Eun-Cheol Park

Background: Given the documented importance of employment for middle-aged and older adults’ mental health, studies of the association between their number of work hours and depressive symptoms are needed. Objectives: To examine the association between the number of work hours and depressive symptoms in Korean aged 45 and over. Methods: We used data from the first wave to fourth wave of the Korea Longitudinal Study of Aging. Using the first wave at baseline, data included 9845 individuals. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression scale. We performed a longitudinal analysis to estimate the prevalence of depressive symptoms by work hours. Results: Both unemployed males and females aged 45–65 years were associated with higher depressive symptoms (β = 0.59, p < 0.001; β = 0.32, p < 0.001). Females working ≥ 69 h were associated with higher depressive symptoms compared to those working 41–68 h (β = 0.25, p = 0.013). Among those both middle-aged and older adults, both males and females unemployed were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Those middle-aged female working ≥69 h were associated with higher depressive symptoms. Conclusions: An increase in depressive symptoms was associated with unemployed males and females working ≥69 h compared to those working 41–68 h. Although this association was found among middle-aged individuals, a decrease in depressive symptoms in both sexes was associated with working 1–40 h. Depressive symptoms should decrease by implementing employment policies and social services to encourage employers to support middle-aged and older adults in the workforce considering their sex and age differences.


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