The effects of developing a dual sensory loss on depression in older adults: a longitudinal study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the effect of developing a dual sensory loss (DSL) on depression over time and evaluate the impact of preexisting single sensory loss on this effect.


METHODS
Multilevel modeling was used to analyze data (N = 2,689) from the Health and Retirement Study.


RESULTS
A significant increase in depression at the first report of DSL occurred, and depression increased at a significantly faster rate following DSL, in a curvilinear pattern. In addition, persons who eventually developed DSL began the study with a depression score significantly higher than persons who did not experience sensory loss. A preexisting single sensory loss did not alter the effect of DSL on depression.


CONCLUSIONS
Two sources of disparity in depression between persons with and without DSL were identified: preexisting differences and differences that occurred due to the DSL. The relationship exhibited between depression and developing a DSL indicated an adjustment process.
McDonnall
Michele Capella
MC
Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Blindness & Low Vision, Mississippi State University, P.O. Box 6189, Starkville, MS 39762, USA. m.mcdonnall@msstate.edu
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D034381:Hearing Loss / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D006630:Hispanic or Latino; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015233:Models, Statistical; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D012046:Rehabilitation; D012179:Retirement; D012307:Risk Factors; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D014481:United States; D014786:Vision Disorders / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D044465:White People