scholarly journals The Blurred Line between Physical Ageing and Mental Health in Older Adults: Implications for the Measurement of Depression

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 ◽  
pp. 117955731988563
Author(s):  
Cassie M Hazell ◽  
Helen E Smith ◽  
Christina J Jones
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Discriminant Validity ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Physical Ageing ◽  
Conceptual Similarity ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
General Adult Population

Objectives: Depression in older adults is assessed using measures validated in the general adult population. However, such measures may be inappropriate in the elderly due to the similarities between ageing and the symptoms of depression. This article discusses whether these measures are fit for the purpose and the implications of using inappropriate tools. Methods: A commentary on measuring depression in older adults. Results: Depression symptoms may be mistaken for signs of ageing. Several measures of depression include items that may have a physical cause and thus generate measurement error. Those studies that have assessed the psychometric properties of depression measures in older adults have failed to conduct appropriate assessments of discriminant validity. Discussion: Research is needed to determine whether the conceptual similarity between some symptoms of depression and the effects of ageing translate to factorial similarity. If so, there may be a need for a specific depression measure for older adults that prioritises psychological symptoms.

scholarly journals The mental health impact of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at impeding viral transmission during the COVID-19 pandemic in a general adult population and the factors associated with adherence to these mitigation strategies

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Omid V. Ebrahimi ◽  
Asle Hoffart ◽  
Sverre Urnes Johnson
Keyword(s):  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Information Access ◽  
Health Impact ◽  
Anxiety Symptoms ◽  
Mitigation Strategies ◽  
Depression And Anxiety ◽  
Younger Adults ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
General Adult Population

This epidemiological investigation assesses the prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 10,061 adults participated in the study. Symptoms of depression and anxiety were two to three times higher compared to pre-pandemic samples. Those who predominantly socially distanced themselves revealed substantially higher symptoms than their counterparts. Females, ethnic and sexual orientation minorities, younger adults, unemployed individuals, and those with a psychiatric diagnosis reported higher prevalence of psychological symptoms. Worry about prolonged duration of physical distancing protocols and frustration of autonomy was associated with elevation in symptoms of depression and anxiety. Increased competence to deal with the crisis was associated with less adverse symptoms. Physical exercise, experiencing nature, and distraction with activities were associated with less depressive symptoms, but not anxiety. The extent of information access about the pandemic was associated with reduced anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, adherence to mitigation protocols was investigated. Younger adults and males reported lowest adherence. Altruistic attitudes, in addition to mandatory as opposed to voluntary adherence was associated with higher adherence. Worrying about significant others’ health was associated with higher, while worry about duration of pandemic protocols was associated with lower adherence rates.

Abstract WMP57: Declining Blood Pressure is Associated with Subcortical Microinfarcts in Older Adults

Stroke ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 48 (suppl_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mekala R Raman ◽  
Jonathan Graff-Radford ◽  
Scott A Przybelski ◽  
Timothy G Lesnick ◽  
Michelle M Mielke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Elderly Population ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Blood Pressure Measurement ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Pressure Measurements ◽  
Autopsy Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Blood Pressures

Hypertension is highly prevalent in the elderly population and microinfarcts are the most common vascular brain pathology identified in older adults at autopsy. We investigated the associations between systolic and diastolic blood pressures measured antemortem and the presence of microinfarcts at autopsy. Study subjects (n=302; age range=71-95) were participants in the population-based Mayo Clinic Study of Aging autopsy study, who had blood pressure measurements recorded during life. We investigated both cross-sectional systolic and diastolic blood pressure measurements at the baseline visit and the change in blood pressure (slope). Presence and location (subcortical or cortical) of chronic microinfarcts was abstracted from the autopsy reports. Of the 302 study subjects, 47 (16%) had cerebral microinfarcts, and, of those, 18 (38%) had subcortical microinfarcts and 29 (62%) had only cortical microinfarcts. The baseline blood pressures were not different between subjects with no microinfarcts, subcortical microinfarcts, and only cortical microinfarcts. In a logistic regression model including time between last blood pressure measurement and death, a greater decline in systolic [OR= 1.06 (1.01, 1.11); p=0.02]) and greater decline in diastolic [OR= 1.11 (1.02, 1.20); p=0.01] blood pressures were predictors of the presence of subcortical microinfarcts at autopsy. However, these variables were not associated with the presence of cortical microinfarcts. In conclusion, microinfarcts are common in the older adult population, and most of them are located in the cortex. A greater decline in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures and their association with subcortical microinfarcts, but not with cortical microinfarcts, may have implications for aggressive lowering of blood pressure in the elderly population.

scholarly journals Use of seroprevalence to guide dengue vaccination plans for older adults in a dengue non-endemic country

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. e0009312
Author(s):  
Yi-Hua Pan ◽  
Mei-Ying Liao ◽  
Yu-Wen Chien ◽  
Tzong-Shiann Ho ◽  
Hui-Ying Ko ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Denv Infection ◽  
Serum Samples ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Southern Taiwan ◽  
Older Populations ◽  
Age Range

A shift in dengue cases toward the adult population, accompanied by an increased risk of severe cases of dengue in the elderly, has created an important emerging issue in the past decade. To understand the level of past DENV infection among older adults after a large dengue outbreak occurred in southern Taiwan in 2015, we screened 1498 and 2603 serum samples from healthy residents aged ≥ 40 years in Kaohsiung City and Tainan City, respectively, to assess the seroprevalence of anti-DENV IgG in 2016. Seropositive samples were verified to exclude cross-reaction from Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), using DENV/JEV-NS1 indirect IgG ELISA. We further identified viral serotypes and secondary DENV infections among positive samples in the two cities. The overall age-standardized seroprevalence of DENV-IgG among participants was 25.77% in Kaohsiung and 11.40% in Tainan, and the seroprevalence was significantly higher in older age groups of both cities. Although the percentages of secondary DENV infection in Kaohsiung and Tainan were very similar (43.09% and 44.76%, respectively), DENV-1 and DENV-2 spanned a wider age range in Kaohsiung, whereas DENV-2 was dominant in Tainan. As very few studies have obtained the serostatus of DENV infection in older adults and the elderly, this study highlights the need for further investigation into antibody status, as well as the safety and efficacy of dengue vaccination in these older populations.

scholarly journals Prevalência de sintomas de estresse e depressão em pacientes renais crônicos submetidos à hemodiálise em um hospital escola do sul de Minas Gerais / Prevalence of stress and depression symptoms in chronic renal patients undergoing hemodialysis at a school hospital of southern Minas Gerais

2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 16-22
Author(s):  
Ana Cláudia Miranda Santos ◽  
Maria Vilela Pinto Nakasu
Keyword(s):  
Renal Disease ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Chronic Renal Disease ◽  
Physical Symptoms ◽  
Minas Gerais ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Dialysis Treatment ◽  
Individual Interviews ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Stress Symptoms

Introdução: O paciente em tratamento hemodialítico pode ter um sentimento ambíguo entre o medo de viver e morrer. A condição crônica da doença renal e o tratamento hemodialítico são consideradas fontes estressoras permanentes. Além de mais vulneráveis ao estresse, vivenciam condições particulares que configuram em perdas que afetam a si e seus familiares, podendo apresentar sintomas depressivos decorrentes das mesmas. Objetivos: Investigar a prevalência de sintomas de estresse e depressão em pacientes renais crônicos sob tratamento dialítico no Hospital Escola (HE) de Itajubá, no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil. Métodos: A pesquisa foi realizada individualmente, com 59 pacientes que realizam tratamento de diálise no HE de Itajubá. Após o esclarecimento da pesquisa, foram realizadas entrevistas individuais. Para tanto, usados: Questionário Sociodemográfico, Inventário de Sintomas de Stress para Adultos de Lipp (ISSL) e Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI). Resultados: A presença de sintomas de estresse e depressão na amostra foi de 32 e 34%, respectivamente. Dentre os pacientes com estresse, a fase mais encontrada foi a de resistência (73%); seguida pela de quase exaustão (14%); exaustão (9%); e alerta (5%). Encontrou-se o predomínio de sintomas psicológicos de estresse na amostra pesquisada (59%), sendo 41% de sintomas físicos da mesma patologia. O nível de depressão foi avaliado pelos escores de cada paciente no BDI, sendo que 39 pacientes não apresentaram sintomas de depressão; treze apresentaram sintomas leves; seis, sintomas moderados; e um apresentou sintomas graves. Conclusão: Não foi identificada alta prevalência de estresse e depressão na amostra.Palavras-chave: Estresse; Depressão; Hemodiálise; Doença renal crônicaABSTRACTIntroduction: The patient undergoing hemodialysis may have an ambiguous feeling between the fear of living or dying. The chronic condition of renal disease and hemodialysis treatment are considered permanent stress sources. In addition to being more vulnerable to stress, they experience individual conditions which constitute losses that affect themselves and their families, and may present, as a result, depressive symptoms. Aims: To ascertain the prevalence of stress and depression in patients undergoing dialysis treatment at the School Hospital of Itajubá, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Methods: The survey was conducted individually, with 59 patients undergoing dialysis treatment at the School Hospital. After clarifying the research, individual interviews were conducted. Therefore, the Socio-Demographic questionnaires, the Inventory of Stress Symptoms for Adults Lipp (ISSL) and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), were the tools used in the interviews. Results: The presence of symptoms of stress and depression in the sample was 32 and 34% respectively. Among patients showing stress the biggest phase was resistance (73%), followed by near exhaustion (14%), exhaustion (9%) and alert (5%). It was found, in the studied sample, a predominance of psychological symptoms of stress 59%, and 41% of physical symptoms of the same pathology. The level of depression was assessed by the scores of each patient in the BDI questionnaire and 39 patients had no symptoms of depression; thirteen patients had mild symptoms, six moderate symptoms and one had severe symptoms. Conclusion: The results show that the prevalence of stress and depression in the sample was not ascertained as high prevalence.Keywords: Stress; Depression; Hemodialisys; Chronic renal disease

scholarly journals Anxiety and depression symptoms in older adults during coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic: A community-based cross-sectional study

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110400
Author(s):  
Kemal Jemal ◽  
Tinsae Abeya Geleta ◽  
Berhanu Senbeta Deriba ◽  
Mukemil Awol
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Chronic Disease ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Anxiety And Depression ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
High Morbidity ◽  
Sectional Study ◽  
Community Based ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

Objectives: The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has caused high morbidity and mortality in older adults over the world. Because the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic greatly affects older adults who have a preexisting health condition, they are generally susceptible to a high incidence of severe symptoms of anxiety and depression. Therefore, we aimed to assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in older adults during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Methods: Community-based cross-sectional study was completed in August 2020. Standardized and pretested General Anxiety Disorder–7 and Geriatric Depression Scale were used to screen the symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. Data were entered into EpiData (version 4.3.2) and transferred to SPSS (version 24) for further analysis. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were carried out to determine the significantly associated variables with a 95% confidence interval at p < 0.05. Results: Of the total older adults interviewed, 68.7% had developed symptoms of anxiety and 59.9% had symptoms of depression during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Female participants, having a chronic disease and poor knowledge of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, were significantly associated with anxiety symptoms. Age category of 81 to 90 and above 90, lack of social support, and having a chronic disease were significantly associated with symptoms of depression. Conclusion: The symptoms of anxiety and depression among older adults in the North Shoa Zone during coronavirus disease 2019 were higher than before the coronavirus disease 2019 happened. The results were evidence points for developing a psychological intervention to tackle the older adults’ mental health needs in the community during and after the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.

Coping Strategies That Mitigate Against Symptoms of Depression Among Latino Farmworkers

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (1) ◽  
pp. 57-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel R. Terrazas ◽  
Adam McCormick
Keyword(s):  
Adult Population ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
The United States ◽  
Epidemiologic Studies ◽  
Farm Work ◽  
Labor Policies ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Latino Farmworkers ◽  
General Adult Population ◽  
Female Farmworkers

Latino farmworkers have a higher rate of depression when compared with other Latinos and the general adult population in the United States. Researchers have suggested oppressive labor policies, acculturation stressor, anti-immigrant polices and attitudes, and the dangers associated to farm work as culprits to high rates of depression among farmworkers. We examined the traits farmworkers reported that helped them mitigate symptoms of depression. Our sample consisted of 64 adult male and female farmworkers who lived in western Texas and worked in Eastern New Mexico. We used the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale Revised (CESD-R) and self-reports of symptoms of depression to assess for depression. We found that, among this sample, the rates of depression were similar to other studies and that farmworkers used cognitive restructuring strategies to mitigate symptoms of depression.

scholarly journals Malnutrition among older adults living in Portuguese nursing homes: the PEN-3S study

2018 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 486-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Teresa Madeira ◽  
Catarina Peixoto-Plácido ◽  
Nuno Sousa-Santos ◽  
Osvaldo Santos ◽  
Violeta Alarcão ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
At Risk ◽  
Logistic Regression ◽  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Nutritional Status ◽  
Functional Status ◽  
Mini Nutritional Assessment ◽  
Computer Assisted ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression

AbstractObjectiveTo characterise the nutritional status and to identify malnutrition-associated variables of older adults living in Portuguese nursing homes.DesignCross-sectional study. Data on demographic and socio-economic characteristics, self-reported morbidity, eating-related problems, nutritional status, cognitive function, depression symptoms, loneliness feelings and functional status were collected by trained nutritionists through a computer-assisted face-to-face structured interview followed by standardised anthropometric measurements. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with being at risk of malnutrition/malnourished.SettingPortuguese nursing homes.SubjectsNationally representative sample of the Portuguese population aged 65 years or over living in nursing homes.ResultsA total of 1186 individuals (mean age 83·4 years; 72·8 % women) accepted to participate. According to the Mini Nutritional Assessment, 4·8 (95 % CI 3·2, 7·3) % were identified as malnourished and 38·7 (95 % CI 33·5, 44·2) % were at risk of malnutrition. These percentages increased with age and were significantly higher for women. Logistic regression showed (OR; 95 % CI) that older adults reporting no or little appetite (6·5; 2·7, 15·3), those revealing symptoms of depression (2·6; 1·6, 4·2) and those who were more dependent in their daily living activities (4·7; 2·0, 11·1) were also at higher odds of being malnourished or at risk of malnutrition.ConclusionsMalnutrition and risk of malnutrition are prevalent among nursing home residents in Portugal. It is crucial to routinely screen for nutritional disorders, as well as risk factors such as symptoms of depression and lower functional status, to prevent and treat malnutrition.

A new conceptualization of alexithymia in the general adult population: implications for research involving older adults

2006 ◽  
Vol 60 (5) ◽  
pp. 535-543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie D. Henry ◽  
Louise H. Phillips ◽  
Elizabeth A. Maylor ◽  
Judith Hosie ◽  
Alan B. Milne ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
General Adult Population

Frequency and heritability of depression symptomatology in the second half of life: evidence from Danish twins over 45

2002 ◽  
Vol 32 (7) ◽  
pp. 1175-1185 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. JOHNSON ◽  
M. McGUE ◽  
D. GAIST ◽  
J. W. VAUPEL ◽  
K. CHRISTENSEN
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Same Sex ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Genetic Origins ◽  
Depression Symptomatology ◽  
Special Risk

Background. Self-reported depressive symptoms among the elderly have generated considerable interest because they are readily available measures of overall well-being in a population often thought to be at special risk for mental disorder.Method. The heritability of depression symptoms was investigated in a sample of 2169 pairs of Danish twins (1033 MZ and 1136 same sex DZ) ranging in age from 45 to over 95. Twins completed an interview assessment that identified symptoms of depression, which were scored on Affective, Somatic and Total scales.Results. Overall heritability estimates (a2) for the Affective (a2 = 0.27, (95% CI 0.22–0.32)). Somatic (a2 = 0.26, (0.21–0.32)), and Total (a2 = 0.29, (0.22–0.34)) scales were all moderate, statistically significant and similar to results from other studies. To assess possible variations in heritability across the wide age span, the sample was stratified into age groups in increments of 10 years. The magnitude of heritable influence did not vary significantly with age or sex. Somatic scale heritability tended to be greater for females than for males, though this difference was not statistically significant. The genetic correlation between the Affective and Somatic scales was 0.71, suggesting substantial common genetic origins.Conclusions. Though the frequency of self-reported depressive symptoms increased with age in this sample, their heritability did not.

scholarly journals Comparison of Mobile Health Technology Use for Self-Tracking Between Older Adults and the General Adult Population in Canada: Cross-Sectional Survey

10.2196/24718 ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e24718
Author(s):  
Mirou Jaana ◽  
Guy Paré
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Health Care ◽  
Technology Use ◽  
Chronic Conditions ◽  
Mobile Apps ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Smart Devices ◽  
Cross Sectional Survey ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
General Adult Population

Background The burden of population aging and chronic conditions has been reported worldwide. Older adults, especially those with high needs, experience social isolation and have high rates of emergency visits and limited satisfaction with the care they receive. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies present opportunities to address these challenges. To date, limited information is available on Canadian older adults’ attitudes toward and use of mHealth technologies for self-tracking purposes—an area that is increasingly important and relevant during the COVID-19 era. Objective This study presents contributions to an underresearched area on older adults and mHealth technology use. The aim of this study was to compare older adults’ use of mHealth technologies to that of the general adult population in Canada and to investigate the factors that affect their use. Methods A cross-sectional survey on mHealth and digital self-tracking was conducted. A web-based questionnaire was administered to a national sample of 4109 Canadian residents who spoke either English or French. The survey instrument consisted of 3 sections assessing the following items: (1) demographic characteristics, health status, and comorbidities; (2) familiarity with and use of mHealth technologies (ie, mobile apps, consumer smart devices/wearables such as vital signs monitors, bathroom scales, fitness trackers, intelligent clothing); and (3) factors influencing the continued use of mHealth technologies. Results Significant differences were observed between the older adults and the general adult population in the use of smart technologies and internet (P<.001). Approximately 47.4% (323/682) of the older adults in the community reported using smartphones and 49.8% (340/682) indicated using digital tablets. Only 19.6% (91/463) of the older adults using smartphones/digital tablets reported downloading mobile apps, and 12.3% (47/383) of the older adults who heard of smart devices/wearables indicated using them. The majority of the mobile apps downloaded by older adults was health-related; interestingly, their use was sustained over a longer period of time (P=.007) by the older adults compared to that by the general population. Approximately 62.7% (428/682) of the older adults reported tracking their health measures, but the majority did so manually. Older adults with one or more chronic conditions were mostly nontrackers (odds ratio 0.439 and 0.431 for traditional trackers and digital trackers, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the older adults and the general adult population with regard to satisfaction with mHealth technologies and their intention to continue using them. Conclusions Leveraging mHealth technologies in partnership with health care providers and sharing of health/well-being data with health care professionals and family members remain very limited. A culture shift in the provision of care to older adults is deemed necessary to keep up with the development of mHealth technologies and the changing demographics and expectations of patients and their caregivers.

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