The presence of both depression and feelings of loneliness in 85-year-olds was associated with a 2.1 times higher mortality risk, whereas neither condition alone had a significant effect.
Cohort (n=476)
Does the combination of depression and perceived loneliness increase all-cause mortality in 85-year-olds?
In 85-year-olds, the combination of depression and perceived loneliness is associated with a 2.1 times higher mortality risk, whereas neither alone significantly affects mortality.
Effect estimate: 2.1 times higher risk
OBJECTIVE: The impact of depression and perceived loneliness in the oldest old is largely unknown. The authors studied the relationship between the presence of depressive symptoms and all-cause mortality in old age, especially the potential distorting effect of perceived loneliness. METHOD: Within a prospective population-based study of 85-year-olds, the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale and the Loneliness Scale were annually applied in all 476 participants with a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 18 points or more. RESULTS: Depression was present in 23% and associated with marital state, institutionalization, and perceived loneliness. When depression and perceived loneliness were assessed during follow-up, neither depression nor perceived loneliness had a significant effect on mortality. However, those who suffered from both depression and feelings of loneliness had a 2.1 times higher mortality risk. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that the increased mortality risk attributable to depression in the presence of perceived loneliness may result from motivational depletion.
Stek et al. (Jeu,) ont mené une cohorte sur la dépression et la solitude perçue (n=476). La dépression et la solitude perçue par rapport à l'absence de dépression ou de solitude ont été évaluées sur la mortalité toutes causes confondues (risque 2,1 fois plus élevé). La présence à la fois de dépression et de sentiments de solitude chez les personnes âgées de 85 ans était associée à un risque de mortalité 2,1 fois plus élevé, tandis qu'aucune des deux conditions prise séparément n'avait d'effet significatif .
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