Depressive symptoms impair everyday problem-solving ability through cognitive abilities in late life.
BACKGROUND
The association between depression and functional disability in late life remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the relationship between depressive symptoms and daily functioning through the mediation of cognitive abilities, measured by memory, reasoning, and speed of processing.


METHODS
The authors recruited 2,832 older adults (mean age = 73.6 years, standard deviation = 5.9) participating in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly Study. Structural equation modeling was applied to illustrate the relationship between depressive symptoms and everyday problem-solving ability through the mediation of cognitive abilities.


RESULTS
Depressive symptoms were associated with impaired everyday problem-solving ability directly and indirectly mediated through learning and memory, and reasoning. Although depressive symptoms were associated with speed of processing, speed of processing was not significantly related to everyday problem-solving ability.


CONCLUSIONS
This study conceptualizes the possible relationships between depressive symptoms and daily functioning with mediation of cognitive abilities and provides a feasible model for the prevention of functional impairment related to geriatric depressive symptoms.
Yen
Yung-Chieh
YC
Department of Psychiatry, E-Da Hospital and College of Medicine, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung County, Taiwan.
Rebok
George W
GW
Gallo
Joseph J
JJ
Jones
Richard N
RN
Tennstedt
Sharon L
SL
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003071:Cognition; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011340:Problem Solving; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
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