Mapping 15-Year Depressive Symptom Transitions in Late Life: A Population-Based Cohort Study
2024

Mapping Depression Transitions in Older Adults

Sample size: 2745 publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Triolo Federico, Vetrano Davide Liborio, Trevisan Caterina, Sjöberg Linnea, Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia, Murri Martino Belvederi, Fratiglioni Laura, Dekhtyar Serhiy

Primary Institution: Karolinska Institutet

Hypothesis

The study aims to describe transitions along the depression continuum in late life and identify factors associated with these transitions.

Conclusion

Older adults may experience different patterns of depression, and improving social interactions and physical activity can help in recovery.

Supporting Evidence

  • 19.1% of participants had at least one transition across depressive states.
  • Each additional somatic disease increased the risk of progression to subsyndromal depression.
  • Physical activity was linked to a higher chance of recovery from depression.

Takeaway

This study looked at how depression changes in older people over time and found that staying active and having friends can help them feel better.

Methodology

The study used 15-year longitudinal data and multistate survival models to analyze depression transitions in dementia-free individuals aged 60 and older.

Participant Demographics

Dementia-free persons aged 60 and older from the Swedish National Study on Aging and Care.

Statistical Information

Confidence Interval

HR 1.09; 1.07-1.10 for somatic disease progression to SSD

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1157

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