Depression increases risk of death among seniors

As we age, we are more likely to have symptoms of depression. Research shows that symptoms of depression may be related to a higher risk of death. Yet, health professionals can miss out on the symptoms of depression in older people.

In addition, symptoms of depression have been badociated with heart disease and stroke in middle and older adults. The researchers suggest that the link between depression and heart disease may play a role in the increased risk of death in older people with symptoms of depression. There is also a known link between depression and cancer deaths and falls among seniors. The researchers suggest that these links could contribute to an increased risk of death for the elderly.

Since the symptoms of depression change over time, it is possible that the study of these symptoms during visits to the doctor of an older person provides more information. To learn more, a research team has designed a study on the role played by the symptoms of depression in increasing the risk of death over time. The team also examined the role of heart disease and stroke in linking the symptoms of depression to the increased risk of death. Their study was published Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.

Researchers used information from Three-City Study, a French study of dementia, heart disease, and stroke among people aged 65 and over during five care visits by course participants last 10 years.

At the beginning of the study, 16% of the 9,294 participants had a history of heart disease. Most of the participants were about 73 years old. 37% were men.

About 23% of participants had symptoms of depression early in the study (28% of women and 13% of men). Nearly 7% took medication for their depression. During three follow-up visits, participants were re-tested for symptoms of depression.

When participants were monitored for symptoms of depression during multiple visits over time, these symptoms were badociated with an increased risk of death, including heart disease and accident cerebrovascular. However, these diseases accounted for only a small percentage of deaths badociated with depression symptoms over time.

The researchers said their study suggested that for older people with depression, heart disease prevention may not be the only factor to prevent or delay death. Interestingly, antidepressants were not badociated with an increased risk of death in this study.

Provided by
American Geriatric Society