scholarly journals Is there any correlation between Magnesium status and depression in elderly people? A descriptive-analytical study among Tehran-nursing home residents

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 632-639
Author(s):  
Lyly Nazemi ◽  
Ingmar Skoog ◽  
Ingvar Karlsson ◽  
Margda Waern ◽  
Agneta Yngve ◽  
...  

Background: Very few studies have shown the possible relationship between magnesium (Mg) status and depression. In the present study, the intracellular Mg status of the elderly population living in nursing homes (NHs) was assessed to determine its relationship with depression. Methods: A descriptive-analytical study was conducted on the elderly population living in nursing homes (Tehran-Iran; 2010-2012). Participants' demographic and clinical characteristics were collected and recorded in a checklist. Evaluating the participants’ nutritional status, Mini Nutritional Assessment Method was implemented. Determining participant's depressive symptoms, 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale was used. Final scores were classified into4 categories not depressed, mild, moderate, and severe depression. Mg level in leukocytes was also measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Results: Totally 113 elderly were included and only 9.8% of subjects were not depressed. About 21% of the subjects were well nourished. Of participants who suffered from heart disease, 80.2% were depressed (p=0.03). Regarding correlations between Mg status and depression, results showed no significant difference in Mg levels of two depressed and non-depressed participants (p=0.73). Conclusion: The results of the present study showed notable prevalence rates of depression and malnutrition among nursing home residents. It was also found that the relationship between intracellular Mg levels and depression was not significant. Further studies are needed to determine the major factors related to these preventable psychological and nutritional disorders among elderly NH residents.

2022 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-66
Author(s):  
Vesna Žegarac Leskovar ◽  
Vanja Skalicky Klemenčič

Currently, many older people live in institutions for various social and health reasons. In Slovenia, this proportion is almost 5% of the population aged 65 and over. In the COVID-19 pandemic, the elderly proved to be the most vulnerable social group, as they are exposed to a number of comorbidities that increase the risk of mortality. At that time, nursing homes represented one of the most critical types of housing, as seen from a disproportionate number of infections and deaths among nursing home residents worldwide, including Slovenia. During the emergency, a number of safety protocols had to be followed to prevent the spread of infection. Unfortunately, it turned out that while the safety measures protected the nursing home residents, they also had a negative effect on their mental health, mainly due to isolation and social distancing. It follows that especially in times of epidemics of infectious respiratory diseases, the quality of life in nursing homes requires special attention. In this context, it is also necessary to consider whether and how an appropriate architectural design can help mitigating the spread of infections, while at the same time enable older people to live in dignity and with a minimum of social exclusion. To this end, the present study examined 97 nursing homes in Slovenia, analysing the number of infections in nursing homes and their correlation with the degree of infection in the corresponding region in Slovenia. Additionally, 2 nursing homes were studied in more detail with the use of newly developed “Safe and Connected” evaluation tool, analysing the architectural features of each building. The advantages identified so far include living in smaller units, single rooms with balconies, the possibility of using green open spaces and the use of an adequate ventilation. Conclusions of this study are useful for further consideration of design of new nursing homes and the refurbishment of existing ones.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i12-i42
Author(s):  
B A Akodu ◽  
S O Akinwunmi ◽  
A Onajole

Abstract Introduction Depression causes and worsens malnutrition. The prevalence of malnutrition in the elderly of the developed world was about 22.6% and about 40% of hospitalized elderly are malnourished while about 4.8% have one major depressive episode in people aged 50 and above. Food rich in omega-3 has antidepressant effect and its low intake is linked with dementia. Decrease dietary folate has been linked with depression. This study was aimed at determining the relationship between depression and nutritional status among the elderly in selected primary healthcare centers (PHC) in Lagos Nigeria. Method A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted using multi-stage technique to select 219 participants by systematic sampling method from the selected PHC centers. Data was collected using structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Nutritional status and Depression were assessed using Mini-Nutritional Assessment and Geriatric Depression Scale respectively. Data analysis was carried out using Epi-info 7.1. Associations were tested using Chi-square for categorical variables while t-test and analysis of variance were used for continuous variables. Associations were statistically significant if two-tailed probability was less than 5% (0.05). Results It was found that 57.9% and 47.1% were malnourished and depressed respectively. There was a statistically significant association between the sex of the participants and the nutritional status (p = 0.048). Statistically significant association existed between sex (p = 0.024), marital status (p = <0.001), educational qualification and depression. Statistically significant association between monthly income (p = <0.001), living arrangement (p = 0.002) and depression was demonstrated. There was a statistically significant association between family support (p = <0.001), nutritional status (p = <0.001) and depression. There was statistically significant difference between the height (p = 0.00885), weight (p = 0.00052, waist-hip ratio (p = 0.036) and the nutritional status. Remarkably, there was statistically significant difference between the waist (p = 0.023) and hip circumference (p = 0.047) and their level of depression. Conclusion A high prevalence of poor nutritional status and depression existed among the elderly primary healthcare centers.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 165-170
Author(s):  
Evany Bettine de Almeida ◽  
Thais Bento Lima-Silva ◽  
Luiz Menna-Barreto

ABSTRACT. Institutionalization potentiates the tendency for specific sleep disturbances which occur with aging, besides negative health consequences such as increased rate of depressive symptoms. Objective: To compare sleep profile and depressive symptoms in elderly nursing home residents, highlighting gender differences. Methods: A quantitative descriptive study of 29 elderly from two different nursing homes was conducted. A sociodemographics questionnaire, Sleep Diary, Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire and the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale were applied. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test and the Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: The sample comprised individuals that were predominantly female (72%), aged 80-90 years (48%), widowed (66%) and low-educated (83%). The women were found to sleep and awake later than the men. Regarding chronotypes, the women were classified as evening types and men as intermediate/indifferent types. Most of the elderly exhibited symptoms of major depression (48%). Compared to men, women had more depressive symptoms in both dysthymia and major depression categories. Conclusion: No significant differences were evident on comparisons of sleep profile and depressive symptoms, but elderly with the intermediate chronotype scored lower on the depressive symptoms scale.


2017 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 116
Author(s):  
Ayu Eka Permatasari ◽  
Samsunuwiyati Marat ◽  
Meiske Y. Suparman

Aging process on elderly can be challenging. Elderly who lives with their family can enjoy happiness and independent live. But, it is different with elderly who lives in a nursing home. Elderly who live in a nursing home often feel lonely, lack of activity, and experience stress to depression. They tend to show symptoms of depression which are sense of helplessness, avoidance of social interaction, experience physical complaints such as headaches, back pain, digestive disorders, and indisgestion. This research is aimed to know whether the application of art therapy can reduce depression on the elderly who lives in a nursing homes. Art therapy intervention with with drawing and coloring methods were chosen because it can be applied to individual of all ages. This intervention is aimed to express feelings, changing negative thoughts, and to be able to more recognize them selves. Participants of this research were 3 elderly who live in nursing homes. The intervention was conducted for 12 sessions. The results were being measured by comparing the pretest-posttest score of Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). After the intervention was conducted, all participants showed reducing score of depression on GDS on posttest score. During the intervention, all participant also showed process of increasing expressions on their artwork. The results also indicated changes of their behaviors such as increasing social interaction.Keywords: Art therapy, Elderly, Depression, Gerontology, Nursing homes.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
◽  
Prabhat Jha

Background: Efforts to stem the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic in Canada can benefit from direct understanding of the prevalence, infection fatality rates (IFRs), and information on asymptomatic infection. Methods: We surveyed a representative sample of 19,994 adult Canadians about COVID symptoms and analyzed IgG antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 from self-collected dried blood spots (DBS) in 8,967 adults. A sensitive and specific chemiluminescence ELISA detected IgG to the spike trimer. We compared seroprevalence to deaths to establish IFRs and used mortality data to estimate infection levels in nursing home residents. Results: The best estimate (high specificity) of adult seroprevalence nationally is 1.7%, but as high as 3.5% (high sensitivity) depending on assay cut-offs. The highest prevalence was in Ontario (2.4-3.9%) and in younger adults aged 18-39 years (2.5-4.4%). Based on mortality, we estimated 13-17% of nursing home residents became infected. The first viral wave infected 0.54-1.08 million adult Canadians, half of whom were <40 years old. The IFR outside nursing homes was 0.20-0.40%, but the COVID mortality rate in nursing home residents was >70 times higher than that in comparably-aged adults living in the community. Seropositivity correlated with COVID symptoms, particularly during March. Asymptomatic adults constituted about a quarter of definite seropositives, with a greater proportion in the elderly. Interpretation: Canada had relatively low infection prevalence and low IFRs in the community, but not in nursing homes, during the first viral wave. Self-collected DBS for antibody testing is a practicable strategy to monitor the ongoing second viral wave and, eventually, vaccine-induced immunity among Canadian adults.


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_2) ◽  
pp. 69-69
Author(s):  
Berna Rahi ◽  
Tracy Daou ◽  
Nour Gereige ◽  
Yara Issa ◽  
Yara Moawad ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives We aimed to assess the polypharmacy effect on appetite and malnutrition risk among Lebanese nursing home residents. We hypothesized that polypharmacy will be associated to lower appetite and increased of malnutrition. Methods A cross-sectional pilot study was carried out in two nursing homes in the North-Lebanon region. Fifty-three older adults (OA) aged 60 and above were recruited and were interviewed face-to-face. A general questionnaire was administered to gather information about their socio-demographics, dietary habits and physical activity routine. Appetite was evaluated by the Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire (SNAQ) validated for use with nursing homes residents. The participants' nutritional status was assessed using the Short Form of the Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA-SF). Polypharmacy was determined if OA were taking 5 or more medications. Information about attitudes towards the use, the number and the cost of medications was also collected. Differences in SNAQ and MNA scores based on polypharmacy were tested using Independent t-tests. Logistic regression was performed to assess the association between polypharmacy and nutritional status after adjusting for several factors. Results Our sample constituted of 49.1% females with an average age of 67.6 ± 3.8 and BMI of 22.3 ± 1.7 kg/m2. The majority were widowed (79.2%) and had a low level of education (85% elementary education). Regarding the MNA scores, 33% had a normal nutritional status while 59% were at risk of malnutrition and 8% were malnourished, with an average MNA score of 10.1 ± 2.2. The average SNAQ score was 11.0 ± 3.3, with 85% scoring ≤14, indicating an significant risk of at least 5% weight loss withing 6 months. Regarding medication use, 50.9% of OA take at least 5 drugs/d with an average of 4.3 ± 2 drugs. Independent t-tests showed that MNA scores were significantly lower in those taking 5 drugs/d vs those taking less (9.4 ± 2.5 vs 10.8 ± 1.6, P = .024) while no significant difference was observed for SNAQ scores (10.3 ± 2.9 vs 11.6 ± 3.6, P = .13). Logistic regressions did not show any significant association between polypharmacy and MNA or SNAQ categories. Conclusions Lower MNA scores were observed in OA taking ≥5 drugs/d indicating a higher risk of malnutrition with polypharmacy. This is significant since malnutrition can further worsen the aging process. Funding Sources N/A.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie Lorraine O'Sullivan ◽  
Sonia Lech ◽  
Paul Gellert ◽  
Ulrike Grittner ◽  
Jan-Niklas Voigt-Antons ◽  
...  

Abstract Objectives: To investigate global and momentary effects of a tablet-based non-pharmacological intervention for nursing home residents living with dementia.Design: Cluster-randomized controlled trial.Setting: Ten nursing homes in Germany were randomly allocated to the tablet-based intervention (TBI, 5 units) or conventional activity sessions (CAS, 5 units).Participants: N = 162 residents with dementia. Intervention: Participants received regular TBI (n = 80) with stimulating activities developed to engage people with dementia or CAS (n = 82) for eight weeks.Measurements: Apathy Evaluation Scale (AES-I, primary outcome), Quality of Life in Alzheimer’s Disease scale, QUALIDEM scale, Neuropsychiatric Inventory, Geriatric Depression Scale and psychotropic medication (secondary outcomes). Momentary quality of life was assessed before and after each activity session. Participants and staff were blinded until collection of baseline data was completed. Data was analyzed with linear mixed-effects models.Results: Levels of apathy decreased slightly in both groups (mean decrease in AES-I of .61 points, 95%CI: -3.54 to 2.33 for TBI and .36 points, 95%CI: -3.27 to 2.55 for CAS). Group difference in change of apathy was not statistically significant (B = .25; 95%CI: -3.89 to 4.38, p = .91). This corresponds to a standardized effect size (Cohen’s d) of .02. A reduction of psychotropic medication was found for TBI compared to CAS. Further analyses revealed a post-intervention improvement in QUALIDEM scores across both groups and short-term improvements of momentary quality of life in the CAS group.Conclusions: Our findings suggest that interventions involving tailored activities have a beneficial impact on global and momentary quality of life in nursing home residents with dementia. Although we found no clear advantage of TBI compared to CAS, tablet computers can support delivery of non-pharmacological interventions in nursing homes and facilitate regular assessments of fluctuating momentary states. Funding: German National Association of Statutory Health Insurance Funds. Registry: ISRCTN98947160.


2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 419
Author(s):  
Ni Putu Wulan Purnama Sari ◽  
Maria Manungkalit

Anxiety, stress, and depression are the three most common negative emotional constructs found in the elderly. Evidences available worldwide about how psychological problem could be resulted in mental disorder, and there is significant difference in the context of living in the nursing home and in community setting. This study aimed to determine the best predictor of anxiety, stress, and depression in elderly living in the nursing home, useful for future modification and intervention development. This cross-sectional study involved 145 elderly in a private nursing home in Surabaya, Indonesia. HARS, SPST-20, and GDS were used in data collection. Linear regression and one way ANOVA tests were used in data analysis (α&lt;0.05). Results showed that mostly in old individuals, mild anxiety and stress, and undepressed state were found. Sensory problems and concentration difficulties were the best predictor of anxiety and stress respectively, which were accounted for 61.2% and 65.6% variances of anxiety and stress in nursing home residents respectively. Spirits, life energy, happiness, and feeling wonderful to be alive could not predict depression significantly. Feeling inferior to others is the best predictor of depression, which was accounted for 25.9% variance of depression in this population. Low self-esteem leads to depression in nursing home residents.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 152-159
Author(s):  
Lyly Nazemi ◽  
Ingvar Karlsson ◽  
Ingmar Skoog ◽  
Margda Waern ◽  
Mostafa Hosseini ◽  
...  

Background: Nutritional deficiency has been suggested as a cause of depression in old age. The present study was performed to evaluate statuses of vitamin B12, Folate (vitamin B9), and vitamin D and their associations with depression among the elderly population living in nursing homes in Tehran-Iran. Methods: One-hundred and seventy subjects from 17 randomly selected nursing homes (NH) (Tehran-Iran) were enrolled in the study. Depression, nutritional statuses, history of chronic diseases, dental health, the levels of exposure to sunlight, the level of satisfaction associated with food quality, and NH staff were evaluated for determining possible relations between depression with vitamin B12, Folate, and vitamin D levels. Results: In the present study Folate and vitamin D deficiencies were found in 96% and 56% of subjects. No correlations were observed between depression with vitamin B12 (P=0.47), Folate (P=0.16) and Vitamin D (P=0.24) levels. Conclusion: The results delineate the high prevalence of vitamin deficiencies among elderly nursing home residents; however, no associations were observed between depression and these nutritional factors. Further studies considering other risk factors and more nutritional micronutrients are suggested.


2020 ◽  
pp. 1420326X2096772
Author(s):  
Emine Tarakci Eren ◽  
Tuğba Düzenli ◽  
Mustafa Var

The present study presents a three-step methodology to determine the environmental satisfaction levels of the elderly individuals in nursing home gardens. The first step comprised the selection of seven nursing homes in five provinces in the Eastern Black Sea region in Turkey. In the second step, 130 participants were selected among the residents of these seven nursing homes via random sampling. In the third step, the satisfaction level of the nursing home residents with the institution gardens was determined. A correlation analysis showed a positive relationship between the environmental and individual characteristics ( r =  0.554; p < 0.01). Simple regression analysis was conducted to determine the effect of environmental characteristics on the satisfaction of individual needs, after determining the direction and level of the relationship between the environmental and the individual characteristics via correlation analysis. The analysis indicated a significant relationship between the environmental and individual characteristics ( R = 0.610; R2 = 0.373; F = 75.991; p <0.001). In conclusion, increased level of satisfaction with the existing physical characteristics of the gardens resulted in an increased level in meeting the psychosocial needs of the elderly individuals, thus, the environmental satisfaction level of nursing home residents increased as well.


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