Physical status as a moderator of depressive symptoms among older adults with dual sensory loss.

Objective: This study evaluated the ability of three measures of physical status-physical activity, physical condition, and body mass index (BMI)-to moderate the relationship between dual sensory loss (DSL) and depressive symptoms in older adults.

Method: Nationally representative longitudinal data were used to develop multilevel models predicting depressive symptoms among two groups of older adults, 1380 who developed DSL during the study and 1308 without sensory loss.

Results: All three measures were associated with depressive symptoms for persons who had or would develop a DSL: participation in physical activity and being in better physical condition were associated with lower levels of depressive symptoms, while lower BMI levels were associated with higher levels of depressive symptoms.

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.

Method: 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.

Risk factors for depression among older adults with dual sensory loss.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors that are associated with depression among older adults with dual sensory loss, evaluating variables typically associated with depression in an elderly population and variables related to sensory loss.

Method: Survey data was collected from a sample of 203 adults aged 55 years and older with significant hearing and vision loss. Independent variables included demographics (as control variables), sensory loss-related factors, activity factors, and social factors.

The effects of single and dual sensory loss on symptoms of depression in the elderly.

Objectives: The primary purposes of this study were to determine the effect of dual sensory loss (i.e. combined hearing and vision loss) on depressive symptoms, to determine whether dual sensory loss has an effect on depressive symptoms when controlling for common covariates of depression, and to determine whether persons with dual sensory loss were more likely than those with a single sensory loss to experience depressive symptoms.