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Highlights of Papers in Clinical Investigations Section: Depressive Disorder as a Predictor of Physical Disability in Old Age
Author(s) -
Kivela SL,
Kimmo P
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of the american geriatrics society
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.992
H-Index - 232
eISSN - 1532-5415
pISSN - 0002-8614
DOI - 10.1046/j.1532-5415.2001.49302457.x
Subject(s) - medicine , depression (economics) , activities of daily living , gerontology , physical disability , longitudinal study , physical activity , physical therapy , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
In this longitudinal study with a 5‐year follow‐up, 786 subjects were assessed for the impact of depression on physical disability. Depression present at baseline did not predict lowering of functional abilities during the follow‐up period. However, new‐onset depression that was relapsing or long‐term in course was associated with increased risk for lowering functional abilities, even when age, sociodemographic factors, physical diseases, and baseline disabilities were controlled. Depressed older people should be placed on a program to maintain their functional abilities through physical exercise and training in activities of daily living and intermediate activities of daily living.