Depression symptoms and cognitive impairment in older nursing home residents in the USA: A latent class analysis

Latent classes of acute grief reactions in the shadow of collective trauma and its predictors in bereaved adults

The current study explored grief reaction profiles after the October 7th, 2023, Israeli massacre regarding the loss of significant others. It investigated factors worsening pre-existing grief in 2,028 adult civilians, with 1,263 reporting pre- or post-massacre loss. Participants completed self-reports on prolonged grief disorder (PGD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), complex PTSD (CPTSD), cognitive emotional regulation (CER), and assumptive worldviews. Latent class analysis identified four classes of probable PGD among those with lifetime loss: "high PGD-both core and emotional pain" (35.9 %); "Medium PGD-emotional pain" (6.9 %); "medium to high PGD-high core, medium emotional pain" (23 %); and "low PGD-both core and emotional pain" (34.5 %). The subsample analysis of individuals experiencing lifetime loss with concurrent October 7th loss indicated three classes of probable PGD: "high PGD symptoms" (47.9 %), "high to medium PGD-high core with medium emotional pain symptoms" (15.9 %), and "low PGD symptoms" (36.2 %). The subsample analysis of those who experienced concurrent recent loss related to the October 7th attack showed two classes related to indicative of acute grief: "high PGD symptoms" (69 %), and "low PGD symptoms" (31 %). Negative CER coping strategies were associated significantly with the high PGD in all three groups, and with increased risk of PTSD and CPTSD symptoms compared to the "low PGD symptoms" group. Collective bereavement amid collective trauma can activate prior individual grief reactions, even without current losses from the traumatic event. Those experiencing loss tied to severe traumatic events may face higher susceptibility to developing pathological grief.

Potential correlations between asymmetric disruption of functional connectivity and metabolism in major depressive disorder

OBJECTIVE

Previous research has suggested a connection between major depressive disorder (MDD) and certain comorbidities, including gastrointestinal issues, thyroid dysfunctions, and glycolipid metabolism abnormalities. However, the relationships between these factors and asymmetrical alterations in functional connectivity (FC) in adults with MDD remain unclear.

METHOD

We conducted a study on a cohort of 42 MDD patients and 42 healthy controls (HCs). Participants underwent comprehensive clinical assessments, including evaluations of blood lipids and thyroid hormone levels, as well as resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (Rs-fMRI) scans. Data analysis involved correlation analysis to compute the parameter of asymmetry (PAS) for the entire brain's functional connectome. We then examined the interrelationships between abnormal PAS regions in the brain, thyroid hormone levels, and blood lipid levels.

RESULTS

The third-generation ultra-sensitive thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH3UL) level was found to be significantly lower in MDD patients compared to HCs. The PAS score of the left inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) decreased, while the bilateral posterior cingulate cortex (Bi-PCC) PAS increased in MDD patients relative to HCs. Notably, the PAS score of the left IFG negatively correlated with both TSH and total cholesterol (CHOL) levels. However, these correlations lose significance after the Bonferroni correction.

CONCLUSION

MDD patients demonstrated abnormal asymmetry in resting-state FC (Rs-FC) within the fronto-limbic system, which may be associated with CHOL and thyroid hormone levels.

Depression and Anxiety in Long-Term Care Residents During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Influence of Telehealth Availability, Cognitive Status, and Trauma History

OBJECTIVES

The present study investigates the impact of disrupted mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic on depression and anxiety symptoms in long-term care (LTC) residents.

METHODS

The study examined clinical data from 5,645 residents who received at least two psychological services in a long-term care (LTC) or assisted living (AL) setting between March 2019 and March 2021. A series of multiple regressions were run to explore the effects of the COVID-19 shutdown on depression and anxiety symptoms while examining the effects of COVID-19-related facility closure and facility telehealth capabilities. Follow-up regression analyses explored the impact of cognitive impairment and positive trauma history on depression and anxiety symptoms.

RESULTS

Post-COVID levels of anxiety and depression were higher for residents with higher levels of pre-COVID anxiety and depression. The interaction between facility closure and availability of telehealth services and trauma history predicted self-report anxiety symptoms. Clinician-observed anxiety symptoms were predicted by cognitive impairment. Residents with a history of trauma had an increase in self-reported anxiety symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Telehealth appeared to mitigate anxiety during the pandemic for residents with higher pre-COVID anxiety.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

For those individuals with severe anxiety, results suggest the importance of ensuring that mental health services are available to mitigate symptoms via telehealth when infection control disrupts the usual delivery of treatment.

Subgroups of depressive symptoms in Korean police officers: A latent class analysis

The prevalence of depressive symptoms is common among police officers; however, studies that identify the patterns of depressive symptoms in police officers and occupational characteristics related to the specific subgroups of depressive symptoms are scarce. A total of 493 police officers in South Korea participated in this descriptive cross-sectional study between October and December 2019. Depressive symptoms were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Latent class analysis was used to identify the subgroups of depressive symptoms. To identify the characteristics and predictors of the subgroup, χ2 tests, analysis of variance, and multinomial logistic regression analysis were performed. Four latent classes of depressive symptoms were identified: "at-risk" (10.8%), "anhedonic" (21.5%), "somatic" (17.2%), and "minimal" (50.5%). Compared to the minimal group, drinking behaviors were higher in the at-risk group (odds ratio [OR] = 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.03, 1.11]), and working hours were greater in the somatic group (OR = 1.01, 95% CI [1.00, 1.02]). Additionally, sleep quality (OR = 1.35, 95% CI [0.82, 2.22]) and fatigue (OR = 1.02, 95% CI [1.00, 1.04]) were found to be related in the anhedonic group. This study identified the heterogeneity of depressive symptoms among police officers. It is necessary to accurately identify the factors associated with the depression subgroups of police officers to develop support strategies and prevent an increase in their depression severity. The association between risk factors such as working hours and drinking behaviors might inform strategies to reduce depression in police offers.

Association of oral status with frailty among older adults in nursing homes: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The oral status of an individual is a vital aspect of their overall health. However, older adults in nursing homes have a higher prevalence of frailty and poor oral health, particularly in the context of global aging. The objective of this study is to explore the association between oral status and frailty among older adults residing in nursing homes.

METHODS

The study involved 1280 individuals aged 60 and above from nursing homes in Hunan province, China. A simple frailty questionnaire (FRAIL scale) was used to evaluate physical frailty, while the Oral Health Assessment Tool was used to assess oral status. The frequency of tooth brushing was classified as never, once a day, and twice or more a day. The traditional multinomial logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between oral status and frailty. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated while controlling for other confounding factors.

RESULTS

The study found that the prevalence of frailty among older adults living in nursing homes was 53.6%, while the prevalence of pre-frailty was 36.3%. After controlling for all potential confounding factors, mouth changes requiring monitoring (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.34-3.31, P = 0.001) and unhealthy mouth (OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.61-4.06, P < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased odds of frailty among older adults in nursing homes. Similarly, both mouth changes requiring monitoring (OR = 1.91, 95% CI = 1.20-3.06, P = 0.007) and unhealthy mouth (OR = 2.24, 95% CI = 1.39-3.63, P = 0.001) were significantly associated with a higher prevalence of pre-frailty. Moreover, brushing teeth twice or more times a day was found to be significantly associated with a lower prevalence of both pre-frailty (OR = 0.55, 95% CI = 0.34-0.88, P = 0.013) and frailty (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.32-0.78, P = 0.002). Conversely, never brushing teeth was significantly associated with higher odds of pre-frailty (OR = 1.82, 95% CI = 1.09-3.05, P = 0.022) and frailty (OR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.06-2.88, P = 0.030).

CONCLUSIONS

Mouth changes that require monitoring and unhealthy mouth increase the likelihood of frailty among older adults in nursing homes. On the other hand, those who brush their teeth frequently have a lower prevalence of frailty. However, further research is needed to determine whether improving the oral status of older adults can change their level of frailty.

Research progress of traditional Chinese medicine compound "Xiaochaihu Decoction" in the treatment of depression

Depression is a common psychiatric disorder under the category of depression syndrome in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) theory. Meanwhile, Xiaochaihu Decoction is a classical TCM formulation regulating Qi, resolving and dissipating stagnation. Clinically, the formulation has long been adopted to treat Shaoyang stagnation syndrome for depression syndrome. In this review, potential targets of action and the corresponding pathways of Xiaochaihu Decoction are explored for depression treatment via network pharmacology. The article also systematically summarizes the active components and pharmacological mechanisms of seven Chinese herbal medicine components in Xiaochaihu Decoction and guides the future study direction of Xiaochaihu Decoction, which may serve a promising treatment for depression.

Circulating metabolites and depression: a bidirectional Mendelian randomization

Background

Studies have shown an association between depression and circulating metabolites, but the causal relationship between them has not been elucidated. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the causal relationship between circulating metabolites and depression and to explore the role of circulating metabolites in depression.

Methods

In this study, the top single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with circulating metabolites (n = 24,925) and depression (n = 322,580) were obtained based on the publicly available genome-wide association study using two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR). SNP estimates were summarized through inverse variance weighted, MR Egger, weighted median, MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier, and "leave-one-out" methods.

Results

Apolipoprotein A-I (OR 0.990, 95% CI 981-0.999) and glutamine (OR 0.985, 95% CI 0.972-0.997) had protective causal effects on depression, whereas acetoacetate (OR 1.021, 95% CI 1.009-1.034), glycoproteins (OR 1.005, 95% CI 1.000-1.009), isoleucine (OR 1.013, 95% CI 1.002-1.024), and urea (OR 1.020, 95% CI 1.000-1.039) had an anti-protective effect on depression. Reversed MR showed no effect of depression on the seven circulating metabolites.

Conclusion

In this study, MR analysis showed that apolipoprotein A-I and glutamine had a protective effect on depression, and acetoacetate, glycoprotein, isoleucine, glucose, and urea may be risk factors for depression. Therefore, further research must be conducted to translate the findings into practice.

Clinical and biological subtypes of late-life depression

BACKGROUND

Late-life depression (LDD) results from multiple psychosocial and neurobiological changes occurring in later life. The current study investigated how patterns of clinical symptoms and brain structural features are classified into LDD subtypes.

METHOD

Self-report scale of depression, behavioral rating of affective symptoms, and brain structural imaging of white matter change and cortical thickness were assessed in 541 older adults with no cognitive impairment or mild cognitive impairment. Latent profile analysis was used to identify distinct subtypes of depression.

RESULTS

The latent profile analysis identified four classes with mild to severe depressive symptoms and two classes with minimal symptoms. While the classes primarily differed in the overall severity, the combinatory patterns of clinical symptoms and neuropathological signature distinguished the classes with similar severity. The classes were distinguished in terms of whether or not neurodegenerative risk accompanied the corresponding depressive symptoms. The presence of the negative self-scheme and cortical thinning pattern notably characterized the subtypes of LDD.

LIMITATIONS

The underlying etiologies of the biological subtypes are still speculative, and the current study lacks clinical history that differentiates late- and early-onset depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding provides insight in identifying heterogeneities of depressive disorder in later life and suggests that self-report and behavioral symptom profile in combination with white matter lesion and cortical thickness effectively characterizes distinct subtypes of LDD.

Are subtypes of affective symptoms differentially associated with change in cognition over time: A latent class analysis

BACKGROUND

In the absence of disease-modifying treatments, identifying potential psychosocial risk factors for dementia is paramount. Depression and anxiety have been identified as potential risk factors. Studies however have yielded mixed findings, lending possibility to the fact that potential constellations of co-occurring depression and anxiety symptoms may better explain the link between affective symptoms and cognitive decline.

METHODS

Data from participants (aged 50 and above) of the PROTECT study was used. Latent Class Analysis (LCA) was conducted on 21,684 participants with baseline anxiety and depression measures. Multiple linear regressions models, using a subset of these participants (N = 6136) who had complete cognition data at baseline and at 2-year follow-up, were conducted to assess for associations between class membership and longitudinal changes in cognition.

RESULTS

The LCA identified a 5-class solution: "No Symptoms", "Sleep", "Sleep and Worry", "Sleep and Anhedonia", and "Co-morbid Depression and Anxiety". Class membership was significantly associated with longitudinal change in cognition. Furthermore, this association differed across different cognitive measures.

LIMITATIONS

Limitations included significant attrition and a generally healthy sample which may impact generalisability.

CONCLUSIONS

Substantial heterogeneity in affective symptoms could explain previous inconsistent findings concerning the association between affective symptoms and cognition. Clinicians should not focus solely on total symptom scores on a single affective domain, but instead on the presence and patterns of symptoms (even if sub-clinical) on measures across multiple affective domains. Identifying particular subgroups that are at greater risk of poor cognitive outcomes may support targeted prevention work.

Postoperative risks of stoma formation in patients with dementia

Stoma formation for patients with dementia presents an increasing problem in a global ageing population. While potentially lifesaving, stomas impose significant, long-term postoperative burdens on patients, and may particularly challenge those with cognitive impairment.In this case, a patient was considered for colostomy to manage a colovesical fistula. The patient's cognitive status significantly influenced clinicians' beliefs concerning suitability for stoma formation.The relevance of dementia to stoma formation is underdiscussed within the literature. In this report, we outline the postoperative risks to which those with dementia undergoing stoma formation are particularly vulnerable. These include increased risk of psychological harm, of relocation to a nursing home, and of stoma-related complications.We hope an increased appreciation of these postoperative challenges will inform decisions concerning suitability for stoma formation in this patient group.

Changes in depressive symptoms and cognitive impairment in older long-stay nursing home residents in the USA: a latent transition analysis

OBJECTIVES

To longitudinally examine the latent statuses of depressive symptoms and their association with cognitive impairment in older U.S. nursing home (NH) residents.

METHOD

Using Minimum Data Set 3.0, newly-admitted, long-stay, older NH residents with depression in 2014 were identified (n = 88,532). Depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire-9) and cognitive impairment (Brief Interview of Mental Status) were measured at admission and 90 days. Latent transition analysis was used to examine the prevalence of and the transition between latent statuses of depressive symptoms from admission to 90 days, and the association of cognitive impairment with the statuses at admission.

RESULTS

Four latent statuses of depressive symptoms were identified: 'Multiple Symptoms' (prevalence at admission: 17.3%; 90 days: 13.6%), 'Depressed mood' (20.0%; 19.5%), 'Fatigue' (27.4%; 25.7%), and 'Minimal Symptoms' (35.3%; 41.2%). Most residents remained in the same status from admission to 90 days. Compared to residents who were cognitively intact, those with moderate impairment were more likely to be in 'Multiple Symptoms' and 'Fatigue' statuses; those with severe impairment had lower odds of belonging to 'Multiple Symptoms', 'Depressed Mood', and 'Fatigue' statuses.

CONCLUSION

By addressing the longitudinal changes in the heterogeneous depressive symptoms and the role of cognitive impairment, findings have implications for depression management in older NH residents.

A Latent Approach to Understanding Pain in Nursing Home Residents Who are Unable to Self-Report Pain

CONTEXT

Pain assessment in people with cognitive impairment is challenging.

OBJECTIVE

The study sought to 1) identify pain subgroups based on staff-assessed pain, agitated and reactive behavior, functional status, and symptoms of depression; and 2) understand if cognitive impairment was associated with transitions between pain subgroups at nursing home admission, 3 months, and 6 months.

METHODS

Using national Minimum Data Set 3.0 data (2011-2016), we included 26,816 newly admitted residents with staff-assessed pain at admission, 3 months, and 6 months. Pain subgroups were identified by latent class analysis at each time point. Transitions between pain subgroups were described using latent transition analysis.

RESULTS

Five latent statuses of pain were identified at admission: "Behavioral and Severe Depression" (prevalence stable, severe or worsening cognitive impairment: 11%, mild/moderate or improved cognitive impairment: 10%), "Functional" (21%; 25%), "Physical" (22%; 23%), "Behavioral" (23%, 19%), and "Low" (23%; 24%). Regardless of change in cognitive status, most residents remained in the same pain latent class. Among residents with stable, severe or worsening cognitive impairment, 11% in the "Behavioral" class transitioned to the "Behavioral and Severe Depression" class by 3 months. Fewer residents transitioned between latent classes in the 3- to 6-month period (>80% remained in their 3-month class).

CONCLUSION

For nursing home residents unable to self-report pain, consideration of additional indicators including functioning, depressive symptoms, and agitation may be useful in identifying pain subgroups. Longitudinal changes in the pain subgroups over 6 months post-admission highlight that residents with severe cognitive impairment may be at risk for worsening pain.

The association between antidepressants use and development of cognitive impairment among older women diagnosed with breast cancer

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the association between the development of cognitive impairment and the use of antidepressants among older women with breast cancer.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study used the United States National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Medicare database to identify women who were 67 years old and older and had breast cancer between 2008 and 2013. Propensity scoring was used to account for confounding pre-treatment factors, and Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to examine the risk of developing cognitive impairment among patients based on whether they used antidepressants.

RESULTS

A total of 3174 women taking antidepressants (mean age 75.2 ± 6.4) were matched with 3174 women not taking antidepressants (mean age 75.4 ± 6.7). Antidepressant use was associated with a significantly increased risk of cognitive impairment (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.33, 95%; confidence interval [CI]: 1.18-1.48). Additionally, we found that older women without a history of depression or anxiety who use antidepressants have a higher risk of developing cognitive impairment than those who did not use antidepressants (HR: 1.53, 95%; CI: 1.34-1.75 and HR: 1.39, 95%; CI: 1.23-1.56, respectively). Subgroup analysis showed that the use of non-tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) was associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

We found that non-TCA antidepressant use in older women with breast cancer was associated with a higher risk of cognitive impairment. This association was also observed among older women without depression or anxiety who used antidepressants.