scholarly journals Age Cohort Differences and Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 61-61
Author(s):  
Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽  
Ada Mui
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Cohort Differences ◽  
Age Cohort

Abstract This study uses Wave 3 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project to examine the correlation between age cohorts [60s (n=1204); 70s (n=1176); 80 and older (n= 724)], cognitive status, and depression symptoms. In the total sample, 53.90% were females, 76.15% Whites, 15.29% Blacks, and 8.56% Asians. Compared to the 60s and 70s cohorts, 80+ cohort was cognitively more impaired [Mean (SD) of MoCA Short Form were 10.7(2.9), 10.0(3.2), and 8.1(3.6)]. There were no age cohorts’ differences in depressive symptoms experienced (Mean of CESD Short Form = 21.03; SD = 4.06). In order to identify predictors of depression, multiple hierarchical regressions were performed. The 60s sample was the reference group to compare with 70s and 80s cohorts. Results showed that age cohort variables had a significant independent effect as well as a joint effect with cognitive status in explaining depression scores. For each age cohort group, parallel regression analyses were conducted and all models were significant. Findings suggest that ADL impairment was the only common predictor for depressive symptoms for the three cohort groups, and the association was the strongest for the 60s cohort (b = .31). Other unique predictors for 60s cohort were lower-income, more IADLs impairment, higher stress and cognitive impairment. For the 70s cohort, unique predictors of depressive symptoms were female gender, unmarried, and less socialization. For the 80 and above group, correlates of depression are female, White, and high stress level. Findings highlight the necessity of age-sensitive programs on depression support for community-dwelling older Americans.

scholarly journals The Association between Environmental Factors, Race, and Cognitive Status

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 894-894
Author(s):  
Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽  
Ada Mui
Keyword(s):  
Racial Differences ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Social Relationship ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Social Programs ◽  
Community Characteristics ◽  
Older Americans

Abstract Based on the data from National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, Wave 3, this study examined two research questions: what is the role of race in predicting cognitive status? and what are predictors of cognitive status between white and black older adults? Cognitive status was assessed using the 18-item survey-adapted Montreal Cognitive Assessment. Using the ecological framework, correlates of cognitive status were conceptualized in three levels of environments: micro- (personal health), meso- (social relationship), and macro-environments (community characteristics). Hierarchical regressions analyses were employed. Findings indicated that 83% of the sample (n= 2,829) were whites and the mean age was 72.95. Bivariate analyses suggested significant racial differences in cognitive status, marital status, income, education, health, social relationship, and community characteristics. Additive and interactive models showed that race had an independent effect as well as joint effects with the three levels of environments in explaining cognitive status. Parallel regression analyses for each racial group were undertaken and models were significant (P < .0001). In two separate models, common predictors for better cognition included being younger, more educated, fewer IADL impairments, and less depression. For older whites, unique correlates for better cognition were being female, higher income, sense of control in life, safer community, and neighbor relations. The only unique correlate for older blacks to have better cognition was community cohesion. Results provided insights on racial differences in cognition experienced among community-dwelling older Americans, and emphasized the need for social programs that promote race-sensitive, age-friendly communities to protect against cognitive decline.

scholarly journals Race Differences and Depressive Symptoms Among Community-Dwelling Older Americans

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 98-98
Author(s):  
Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽  
Ada Mui
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Depressive Symptomatology ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Race Difference ◽  
Black African ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Predictors Of Depression

Abstract Using data from the Wave 3 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project, this study examines cognition, stress and social support factors associated with depressive symptomatology among older White (n=2356) and Black/African Americans (n=473) living in the community. Bivariate analyses suggest that Whites were slightly older than Blacks [(M(SD) = 73 .24(8.18) and 72.52(8.69); 71)]; and had higher unmarried status (66.58% vs. 43.76%). In terms of cognitive functioning, Whites scored significantly higher than Blacks [Mean (SD) of MoCA Short Form were 10.44(3.06) and 7.75.0(3.33)]. There was race difference in depressive symptoms experienced (CESD Short Form: M(SD) = 20.99(4.01) for Whites; M(SD) = 21.35(4.33) for Blacks). In order to identify predictors of depression, multiple hierarchical regressions were performed. Results showed that race had significant independent effect and multiplicative effect with IADL impairment in explaining depression scores. To identify predicators for each racial group, parallel regression analyses were conducted and two models were significant. Findings show that unmarried status and IADL impairment were common predictors of depressive symptoms for the two groups, and the impact of both variables were stronger for Blacks (for unmarried status; b =-1.42 vs. -.52; for IADL impairment b = .23 vs. .13). For Whites, other unique predictors of depression were male gender, lower income, more ADL impairment, higher stress, less socialization and poor friendship quality. For Blacks, the only unique predictor of depressive symptoms was being younger age. The different correlates of depression for White and Black elders provide new insight into the design of race-sensitive interventions.

scholarly journals Gender, Cognitive Status, and Depressive Symptoms: Findings From the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 62-62
Author(s):  
Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽  
Ada Mui
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This secondary research is based on the Wave 3 National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (n = 3,104). The association between cognition, gender, and depressive symptomatology were examined. Findings indicate that 54% of the sample were women and the mean age was 72.95 (SD=8.29). Bivariate analyses suggest that there were no gender differences in cognitive status (Mean of MoCA Short Form = 9.73; SD = 3.26), age, and stress (Mean of PSS = 7.69; SD = 3.90). There were significant gender differences in terms of marital status, income, education, stressors, social participation, and social support. Compared to older men, older women reported a significantly lower level of both education and income. Multiple regression results show that gender has an independent effect and a joint effect with stressors in explaining depressive symptoms. Parallel regression analyses for each gender group were conducted and models were significant (P < .0001). The only common predictor for depressive symptoms was ADL impairment, and the impact of this was stronger for males (b=.32) than for females (b=.17). For older men, unique correlates of depressive symptoms were being not married, more ADL and cognitive impairments, and higher stress. For older women, a higher level of depressive symptoms was associated with being younger, lower-income, a higher level of ADL and IADL impairments. In addition, white elderly women reported a higher level of depressive symptoms than Asian elderly women. Findings suggest gender and racial differences in depressive symptoms experienced among older Americans living in the community.

scholarly journals The Correlates of Cognitive Status Among Older Americans Living in the Community: Does Gender Make a Difference?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 63-63
Author(s):  
Ethan Siu Leung Cheung ◽  
Ada Mui ◽  
Seth Hoffman
Keyword(s):  
Gender Differences ◽  
Older Women ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cognitive Impairments ◽  
Older Men ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Ethnic Composition ◽  
Community Safety ◽  
Independent Effect ◽  
Community Factors

Abstract Utilizing the data in National Social Life, Health and Aging Project (n = 3,104; 54% female), the study examined the predictors of cognitive impairments in terms of community harmony, community safety, frequency of neighbor contacts, depression, and demographic factors. Bivariate analyses suggest that there were no gender differences in cognitive status (Mean of MoCA Short Form = 9.89; SD = 3.33); nor were there gender differences in age (mean age = 72.95; SD=8.29), ethnic composition (76.1% whites; 15.3% Blacks, 8.6% Asian), community harmony, community safety, frequency of neighbor contacts. On the other hand, men had more education and income than women. Psychologically, older women reported higher level of stress and depression scores than older men. Multiple regression results show that gender has a significant independent effect and joint effects with stressors and community factors in explaining cognitive impairments. Parallel regression analyses for each gender group were conducted and models were significant (P < .0001). There were common predictors of cognitive impairments for the two groups but variables had differential impacts on older men and older women. Specifically, IADL had stronger effect on older men than on older women in predicting cognitive impairments (b = -.23 vs. b=-.10); perceived community harmony had stronger impact on older women in explaining their cognitive status (b = .26 vs. b=.22); older women’s cognitive status benefitted more from perceived community safety than older men (b = .61 vs. b=.43). Regardless of gender, older Whites scored higher than Black and Asian elders in their cognition scores.

A Decade of Decline in Serious Cognitive Problems Among Older Americans: A Population-Based Study of 5.4 Million Respondents

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Esme Fuller-Thomson ◽  
Katherine Marie Ahlin
Keyword(s):  
Educational Attainment ◽  
Generational Differences ◽  
Temporal Trends ◽  
Secondary Analysis ◽  
Population Based ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Older Americans ◽  
Age Cohort ◽  
Nationally Representative ◽  
Cognitive Problems

Background: Numerous studies suggest the prevalence of dementia has decreased over the past several decades in Western countries. Less is known about whether these trends differ by gender or age cohort, and if generational differences in educational attainment explain these trajectories. Objective: 1) To detect temporal trends in the age-sex-race adjusted prevalence of serious cognitive problems among Americans aged 65+; 2) To establish if these temporal trends differ by gender and age cohort; 3) To examine if these temporal trends are attenuated by generational differences in educational attainment. Methods: Secondary analysis of 10 years of annual nationally representative data from the American Community Survey with 5.4 million community-dwelling and institutionalized older adults aged 65+. The question on serious cognitive problems was, “Because of a physical, mental, or emotional condition, does this person have serious difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions?” Results: The prevalence of serious cognitive problems in the US population aged 65 and older declined from 12.2%to 10.0%between 2008 and 2017. Had the prevalence remained at the 2008 levels, there would have been an additional 1.13 million older Americans with serious cognitive problems in 2017. The decline in memory problems across the decade was higher for women (23%) than for men (13%). Adjusting for education substantially attenuated the decline. Conclusion: Between 2008 and 2017, the prevalence of serious cognitive impairment among older Americans declined significantly, although these declines were partially attributable to generational differences in educational attainment.

scholarly journals Association between Root Caries and Depressive Symptoms among Elders in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil

2017 ◽  
Vol 28 (2) ◽  
pp. 234-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Otávio Pereira D’Avila ◽  
Eliana Wendland ◽  
Juliana Balbinot Hilgert ◽  
Dalva Maria Pereira Padilha ◽  
Fernando Neves Hugo
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Independent Living ◽  
Negative Binomial ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Salivary Flow ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Root Caries ◽  
Male Sex

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between depressive symptoms and root caries among independent-living older persons. All community-dwelling older adults (not hospitalized and not bedridden) living in Carlos Barbosa, RS, Brazil, were invited to participate, and 785 completed the study protocol (standardized questionnaire assessing socio-demographic information and health behavior, Geriatric Depression Scale [GDS] - brief version, and oral examination [DMFT-Root index, Visible Plaque Index and stimulated salivary flow]). Out of them, 390 participants with at least one natural tooth were included in the present analysis. The outcome of interest was the ratio between the number of decayed roots and the number of roots at risk. The association between independent variables (depression and socioeconomic aspects) and the outcome was assessed using negative binomial regression models. Results: The final, fully adjusted model revealed that age (β=0.03, p=0.001), female sex (β=-0.23, p=0.08), living in a rural area (β=0.25, p=0.008), tooth brushing frequency (β=0.43, p=0.025) and stimulated salivary flow (β=-0.012, p<0.0001) were significantly associated with the presence of root caries. In addition, the interaction between male sex and the presence of depression symptoms (β=-0.99, p=0.012) was also independently and significantly associated with root caries. The interaction between male sex and depression symptoms was associated with root caries, suggesting that psychological mechanisms may be involved indirectly in the development of root caries in older adults.

scholarly journals Association between depression and educational outcomes among young adults

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julia Dementeva ◽  
Ivan Smirnov
Keyword(s):  
Academic Performance ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Educational Outcomes ◽  
Standardized Test ◽  
Population Level ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Grade Point ◽  
Negatively Associated ◽  
Age Cohorts ◽  
Nationally Representative

BackgroundHigher academic performance is known to be negatively associated with the odds and severity of depressive symptoms. These results, however, were mostly obtained by using data on students from one educational organization or by relying on relative measures of academic performance such as grade point average. As a result, the relationship between academic performance measured by standardized tests and depressive symptoms at the population level is less known.MethodsWe use the data from the Russian study 'Trajectories in Education and Careers' (N = 4,400). This panel is nationally representative for one age cohorts and includes information on educational outcomes measured by an internationally recognized standardized test (PISA) at the age of 15 along with self-reported depression symptoms 6 years later (PHQ-9). ResultsThe prevalence of depression was 20% among women and 12% among men. We find no association between PHQ-9 scores for women and their PISA scores, however we find positive linear association for men (r = 0.15; CI95% = [0.10, 0.20]). This results in an increase of risk of being depressed from 4% for low-performing men to 17% for high-performing men. This result holds after controlling for the socioeconomic status of participants, the fact of studying at university, and the selectivity of their university.ConclusionsIt is generally believed that higher academic performance is negatively associated with depression. Our results indicate that the association might be more complex than has been previously thought and that high academic performance might be a risk factor for depression.

scholarly journals Meaning in life matters for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease in residential care: associations with life satisfaction and depressive symptoms

2019 ◽  
Vol 31 (5) ◽  
pp. 607-615 ◽  
Author(s):  
Laura Dewitte ◽  
Mathieu Vandenbulcke ◽  
Jessie Dezutter
Keyword(s):  
Alzheimer’S Disease ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Alzheimer's Disease ◽  
Life Satisfaction ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Residential Care ◽  
Meaning In Life ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Cognitive Status ◽  
Presence Of Meaning

ABSTRACTObjectives:To examine whether previously established associations between experiences of meaning in life on the one hand and life satisfaction and depressive symptoms on the other hand are transferable to a population of older residential care residents with Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Design:Cross-sectional study using questionnaires administered in a structured interview format.Setting:Nine residential care settings in Flanders, Belgium.Participants:Convenience sample of 138 older adults (+65) living in residential care with a diagnosis of AD.Measurements:Meaning in life was measured using the Presence of Meaning (PoM) subscale of the Meaning in Life Questionnaire-Short Form, life satisfaction was measured using the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), depressive symptoms were measured using a five-item short form of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and general cognitive status was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).Results:Controlling for demographic variables (age, sex, and marital status) and cognitive status, meaning in life scores were positively predictive of life satisfaction scores and negatively predictive of depressive symptoms. Post-hoc analyses suggested a possible interaction between meaning in life and cognitive status in predicting both outcomes of psychological functioning (GDS and SWLS).Conclusion:The presence of meaning in life is related to important well-being outcomes for older adults with AD living in residential care. More awareness for the importance of existential themes and interventions fostering meaning might be warranted for this population.

scholarly journals Effects of the Intervention “Reflective STRENGTH-Giving Dialogues” for Older Adults Living with Long-Term Pain: A Pilot Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Lena Hedén ◽  
Mia Berglund ◽  
Catharina Gillsjö
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Pilot Study ◽  
Musculoskeletal Pain ◽  
Rating Scale ◽  
Short Form ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Community Dwelling ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms

Background. Long-term musculoskeletal pain is a major, often undertreated, disabling health problem among an increasing number of older adults. Reflective STRENGTH-giving dialogues (STRENGTH) may be a tool to support older adults living with long-term pain. The main aim of this pilot study was to investigate the immediate and longitudinal effect of the intervention STRENGTH on levels of pain, wellbeing, occurrence of depression symptoms, and sense of coherence (SOC) among community-dwelling older adults suffering from musculoskeletal pain compared to a control group. Methods. The study was semiexperimental with an intervention group and a control group. The effect of a single STRENGTH intervention was reported on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) regarding pain and wellbeing. To evaluate the longitudinal effect of STRENGTH, using the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form (BPI-SF), the Geriatric Depression Scale-20 (GDS-20), SOC-13 at baseline (T1), and six months after the intervention/no intervention (T2), a total of 30 older adults, aged 72 to 97 years (Mdn 86 years), were included consecutively and fulfilled the intervention series (n = 18) or untreated controls (n = 12). Results. The intervention with STRENGTH decreases pain (NRS 6 Mdn versus NRS 4 Mdn, p<0.001) and increases wellbeing (NRS 7 Mdn versus NRS 8 Mdn, p<0.001). After a six-month study period with STRENGTH, no longitudinal effect difference was found compared to baseline. Compared to the control group, there was an increasing trend between decreased pain level and increased SOC level for STRENGTH intervention. Conclusions. This pilot study supports STRENGTH’s effect as a pain-alleviating model that provides a decrease in pain levels and an increase of wellbeing in older adults with long-term pain. STRENGTH dialogues could be a useful intervention to provide individually holistic care in older adults living with long-term pain.

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