Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Activity of Daily Living Dependence in Older Japanese: The Kurabuchi Study

Abstract

Background/Objectives Few published studies have investigated the possibility of an association between depressive symptoms and dependence in activities of daily living (ADLs) in elderly adults. The objective of the study was to examine the association between depressive symptoms and future ADL dependence and to investigate how this association varies according to living circumstances and marital status. Design Community‐based prospective observational study. Setting Kurabuchi Town, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Participants A total of 769 residents aged 65 and older were surveyed at baseline in 2005/06; they were followed up annually during the 7.5‐year study period (follow‐up rate, 99% (n = 763). Measurements Presence of depressive symptoms was defined as a score of 2 or greater on the five‐item Geriatric Depression Scale, and dependence in ADLs was defined as admission to a nursing home (institutionalization), eligibility for long‐term care (LTC), or need for help in any of the six basic ADL items in the Katz Index of Independence in ADLs. Results Depressive symptoms were observed in 232 of the 763 participants (30.4%). Those with depressive symptoms were more prone to future ADL dependence than those without (adjusted risk ratio = 1.29, 95% confidence interval = 1.04–1.61). There was no clear evidence of any effect modification according to living circumstances or marital status on this association, although living with other people or marriage was found to be associated with greater risk of institutionalization. Conclusion Our findings suggest that depressive symptoms are associated with future ADL dependence and that living circumstances (except for institutionalization) and marital status do not affect the association.

Association Between Knee Pain, Impaired Function, and Development of Depressive Symptoms

“…11 Depressive symptoms cause a decline in physical activity levels and everyday social and psychological function. 12 Depressive symptoms in individuals with knee OA in particular may lead to further worsening of pain symptoms and declining physical performance. 13,14 Because depression has a strong negative effect on well-being, understanding its risk factors is important for public health.…”

“…There were no substantial demographic differences between the total eligible population and those who participated in the baseline examinations. 12,17 The ethics committees of Keio University School of Medicine (Tokyo, Japan) (Approval No. [16][17][18][19][20] and Toho University (Tokyo, Japan) approved the study protocol (Approval No.…”

Psychophysical Health Factors and Its Correlations in Elderly Wheelchair Users Who Live in Nursing Homes

“…Murphy proved strong correlation between mood disorders and increased disability [18]. Nakamura et al evidenced that symptoms of depression are strong predictors of becoming dependent on other people in the future, and these correlations escalated in case of persons living in NHs [19]. The authors believe that depression has impact on the decrease of self-motivation and initiative, which translates into limited physical activity and decreased functional fitness [19].…”

“…Nakamura et al evidenced that symptoms of depression are strong predictors of becoming dependent on other people in the future, and these correlations escalated in case of persons living in NHs [19]. The authors believe that depression has impact on the decrease of self-motivation and initiative, which translates into limited physical activity and decreased functional fitness [19]. On the other hand, Chung and Condersson et al did not identify any correlation between functional fitness and symptoms of depression in seniors living in NHs [20,21].…”

Association of the cumulative burden of late‐life anxiety and depressive symptoms with functional impairment

“…Many prospective epidemiological studies have examined the association between depression with functional impairment. Findings indicate that depression (ie, depressive disorders and symptoms) places older adults at an increased risk for developing, having persistent, or having worsening functional impairment or disability . Evidence also suggests that functional impairment affects mental health, with disability increasing the risk for subsequent depression …”