Association Between Multisensory Impairment and Depression Among Older Adults: A Population‐Based Analysis

Abstract Objective In this study, we examine how impairments in vision, hearing, touch, and olfaction relate to depression in older adults, considering both individual and multisensory impairments (MSIs). Study Design Analysis of cross‐sectional data from a longitudinal investigation involving black and white older adults aged 70 to 79 at enrollment. Setting We studied 1640 black and white participants in the Health ABC study using complete sensory evaluation data from years 3 to 5. Methods Our MSI assessment utilized data obtained for visual acuity, hearing perception, olfactory performance, and tactile function. We performed multivariable logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between the presence of individual and MSIs and depression which was defined as the presence of antidepressants prescribed for depression, or a Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score of greater than 10. Results We observed a possible dose‐response relationship between the number of sensory impairments and depression. In adjusted models, when compared to no impairments, vision (odds ratio OR = 1.45, 95% confidence interval CI: 1.09‐1.93) and hearing impairments (OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.11‐1.99) were significantly associated with depression, whereas olfaction (OR = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.83‐1.47) and tactile impairments (OR = 1.28, 95% CI: 0.96‐1.70) were not. Participants with 3 sensory impairments had a higher rate of depression (OR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.22‐3.54) compared to those without impairments, and this risk increased further for those with 4 sensory impairments (OR = 2.95, 95% CI: 1.48‐5.88). Conclusion The findings suggest that individuals with MSI represent a high‐risk population for depression, warranting close monitoring to screen for depression. The study emphasizes the importance of considering multiple sensory impairments in the context of mental health and supports the early identification and monitoring of depression in this population.