Incidence and Predictors of Depression in Late Life. Results from the AgeCoDe-/AqeQualiDe study

Purpose The aim of the study was to examine incidence and determinants of depressive symptoms in old age.

Methods Data of a prospective, longitudinal, multi-centered cohort study conducted in primary care - AgeCoDe-/AgeQualiDe study. 2,436 GP patients aged 75+ years were assessed from baseline to ninth follow-up every 1.5 years. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 15-item version of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS-15, cut-off score ≥6). Competing risk regression models (competing event: mortality) were used to assess determinants of incident depressive symptoms.

Results The incidence of depressive symptoms was 39 per 1,000 person-years (95% confidence interval 36-42). In a competing risk regression model, female gender, unmarried family status, subjective memory decline as well as vision and mobility impairment were significant risk factors of future depressive symptoms.

Conclusions Depressive symptoms in late life are common. In the present study encountered risk factors entailed potentialities for secondary prevention.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
02. September 2021