Association Between Frailty-Related Factors and Depression among Older Adults

ABSTRACT

Objectives

We analyzed the association between individual frailty-related factors and depression in older adults.

Methods

A total of 796 older adults who underwent geriatric assessments were included in this cross-sectional study. The frailty-related factors studied were grip strength, physical activity, walking speed, weight loss, and recurrent falls. Depression was based on the Geriatric Depression Scale.

Results

After adjustment for covariates, recurrent falls were associated with depression in males (OR 3.84, 95% CI 1.30–11.35). Among females, weakest grip strength, slow walking speed, and weight loss were associated with depression (OR 2.61, 95% CI 1.52–4.49; OR 1.78, 95% CI 1.02–3.11; and OR 2.52, 95% CI 1.17–5.44, respectively). Having more frailty-related factors was also associated with higher odds of depression.

Conclusions

The associations between individual frailty-related factors and depression differed among males and females. Further prospective studies on depression and individual frailty-related factors by sex may help elucidate specific targets to be prioritized for clinical assessment and intervention.

Clinical implications

Older adults affected by depression and frailty may present different clinical manifestations based on sex, and require different treatment approaches. Clinicians should assess both physical and psychological needs for integrated care in frail older adults.

KEYWORDS:

• Accidental falls
• depression
• frailty
• muscle strength
• walking speed

Clinical implications

• Clinicians caring for older adults should be aware that those affected by depression and frailty may be present with different clinical manifestations based on sex and require distinct approaches for treatment.

• Older adults identified as being frail should also be assessed for depression and those with depression should be assessed for frailty, as managing both physical and psychological needs in older adults may prevent fragmentation of care and improve their quality of life.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).