Frailty and Depression in Older Adults: A Summary of Interactions and Treatment Implications

Purpose of Review To summarize research on the interaction between frailty, depression, and their treatment implications in older adults. Recent Findings Frailty predicts later depression and depression predicts later frailty. Body weight predicts depression differently by gender. Underweight predicts depression in Asian countries and among men in Western countries, while obesity predicts depression in Western countries, especially women. Malnutrition, anorexia of aging, and isolation may contribute to both depression and frailty. Frailty decreases effectiveness of antidepressant medication. Summary Frailty and depression are closely related and treatment of both is hampered when they co-occur. Providers may wish to treat frailty first. Possible interventions include encouraging better nutrition, social activities, and physical activity.