Depression is a prevalent and disabling condition
associated with functional impairment in the
elderly. This work investigated the role of
cognitive mediators in the relationship of
depressive symptoms and functional performance in a
large US cohort of community-dwelling older adults.
In this three-year Advanced Cognitive Training for
Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) randomized,
controlled trial, baseline depressive symptoms had
no direct effect on functional change in three
years. However, baseline depressive symptoms
inversely influenced baseline functional performance
directly or indirectly through cognitive mediators.
The effect of baseline processing speed ability on
baseline functional performance was mediated by
memory and reasoning abilities. At the same time,
reasoning ability change in three years was
significant mediators between depressive symptoms
and functional performance change. The results of
this study can be used to predict functional status
of the elderly over time. They can serve as the
basis of intervention or prevention of functional
impairment due to depressive symptoms among the
elderly.
associated with functional impairment in the
elderly. This work investigated the role of
cognitive mediators in the relationship of
depressive symptoms and functional performance in a
large US cohort of community-dwelling older adults.
In this three-year Advanced Cognitive Training for
Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) randomized,
controlled trial, baseline depressive symptoms had
no direct effect on functional change in three
years. However, baseline depressive symptoms
inversely influenced baseline functional performance
directly or indirectly through cognitive mediators.
The effect of baseline processing speed ability on
baseline functional performance was mediated by
memory and reasoning abilities. At the same time,
reasoning ability change in three years was
significant mediators between depressive symptoms
and functional performance change. The results of
this study can be used to predict functional status
of the elderly over time. They can serve as the
basis of intervention or prevention of functional
impairment due to depressive symptoms among the
elderly.