• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.45-53
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• 2013

Objectives Non-major depression with fewer symptoms than required for a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-4th edition diagnosis of major depressive disorder (MDD) has consistently been found to be associated with functional impairment. In this study, we aim to estimate the cognitive impairment and the quality of life in elderly patients with subsyndromal depression (SSD) compared with non-depressive elderly (NDE). Methods The Korean version of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was administered to 194 outpatients with depression and 108 normal controls. SSD is defined as having five or more current depressive symptoms with core depressive symptoms (depressive mood or loss of interest or pleasure) during more than half a day and more than seven days over two weeks. Depression was evaluated by the Korean form of Geriatric Depression Scale of a 15-item short version. Global cognition was assessed by Mini-Mental State Examination in the Korean version of CERAD assessment packet (MMSE-KC). Subjective cognitive impairment was assessed by the Subjective Memory Complaint Questionnaire. Quality of life was evaluated by the Korean Version of Short-Form 36-Item Health Survey. Results The mean score of the MMSE-KC in the SSD group was lower than that in the NDE group with adjustment for age, gender, and education [F = 4.270, p = 0.04, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA)]. If we defined those having Z-score of MMSE-KC < -1.5 as a high risk group of cognitive impairment, the odds ratio for the high risk group of cognitive impairment was 1.86 [95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.04-3.34] in SSD and 7.57 (95% CI 3.50-16.40) in MDD compared to NDE. The scores of physical component summary (F = 9.274, p = 0.003, ANCOVA) and mental component summary (F = 53.166, p < 0.001, ANCOVA) in the SSD group were lower than those in the NDE group with adjustment for age, gender, and education. Conclusions The subjects with SSD, as well as those with MDD, showed impairment of global cognition and also experienced low quality of life in both physical and mental aspects, compared to the NDE group.

• Korean Journal of Biological Psychiatry
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• v.20 no.2
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• pp.31-39
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• 2013

The geriatric patients with chronic physical diseases are frequently associated with the continuous clusters of depression including nonpathological sadness, subsyndromal depression, minor depressive disorder, and major depressive disorder. Because of the complex and reciprocal relationships among depression, elderly, and chronic physical diseases, screening approaches with specific nosological methods should be needed in the realm of early detection of depression. Cognitive decline is frequently manifested in geriatric depression with medical or neurological diseases. Also, somatic symptoms of depression or emotional symptoms of physical diseases can play a role as a hampering factor in the early detection of depression. Furthermore, after-care has been regarded as an essential factor of depression screening in the geriatric patients with chronic physical diseases. We reviewed the most popular examples of integrated medicine for depression in primary care. Thus, we propose a general hospital-based model for early detection of depression which includes favorable response loop between screening and therapeutic intervention. Our model can be a basis for evidence-based detection and after-care for depression in the geriatric patients with chronic medical diseases.

• Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing
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• v.20 no.sup1
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• pp.119-126
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to describe problems and solutions for older adults living alone and using wearable devices to report depressive moods in daily life. In addition, gerontology nurses' competencies and strategies were discussed based on lessons learned from the observational study. Methods: A hybrid method was used, combining literature review and content analyses based on interviews with 53 participants and observations done by the research team. Results: Main issues and relevant strategies were identified in terms of (1) applicability of information and communications technology (ICT) devices for older adults, (2) feasibility of older adults' use of ICT devices, (3) integration of ICT devices into daily life, and (4) relevant issues when older adults use ICT. Important roles and competencies were discussed regarding general and gerontology aspects of ICT. Conclusion: Findings indicate that a wearable device is feasible to measure daily depressive moods in older adults living alone in community settings. To extend our research protocol to practice, gerontology nurses must adequately prepare to meet emerging health care trends and end users' needs for ICT-based nursing. It is necessary to develop diverse educational programs and active involvement in research and design of relevant devices and programs.

• 한국노년학
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• v.41 no.1
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• pp.25-48
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• 2021

This study intended to examine the willingness to use as well as necessary functions for ICT-based care assistance devices in older adults living alone. A total of 241 older adults living alone from a city participated in the study. Study results show that many older adults living alone are willing to use ICT-based care assistance devices at their home and the functions of care assistance devices that they perceived as necessary were diverse. In addition, there were differences in perception of functional necessity by socio-demographics and medical and functional characteristics of older adults living alone. In particular, there were significant differences in the functions perceived as necessary according to the presence of osteoporosis, depression, insomnia, and limitations in daily activities. Our study findings suggest that the functions of ICT-based care devices should be developed in various ways in order to help healthy aging in place. Findings also imply that it is necessary to provide individualized services and customized care assistance devices according to individual's medical and functional characteristics and needs.

• Korean Journal of Adult Nursing
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• v.23 no.4
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• pp.332-339
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• 2011

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to compare depression, somatoform disorders, and quality of life among older adults. Methods: Samples of 280 community-dwelling Korean older adults were included. The age range of the participants was 60 to 90 years (average $72.6{\pm}6.4$). The participants were assigned to one of two groups based on reported scores on the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index from September 2006 to March 2007. The two groups were designated as "poor sleepers"and "good sleepers". A T-test was used to compare depression, somatoform disorders and quality of life between the two groups. Results: Forty-six percent of participants reported scores that indicated they were poor sleepers. Poor sleepers reported significantly higher depression scores (p<.001), higher somatoform disorders scores (p<.001), lower for each SF-36 quality of life dimension, and lower mental and physical health summary scores (p<.001) than the reported scores of those participants who were classified as good sleepers. Conclusion: Older adults with poor sleep patterns are more likely to report higher depression, more somatoform disorders and a lower quality of life. Additional research is needed to identify the appropriate nursing interventions aimed at improving sleep quality, depression symptoms, somatoform disorders and the quality of life.

• The Journal of Korean Medicine
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• v.43 no.3
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• pp.181-194
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• 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of music therapy combined with hand manipulation on depression and cognition in elderly women with mild depression. Methods: In order to investigate the effects of a music therapy program through hand, 20 elderly women with a GDS-K score of 14-18 were selected among women aged 65 to 84 living in Busan. The 10 subjects in the experimental group were given the music therapy program 3 times a week for 4 weeks, 12 sessions, and the 10 subjects in the control group were not given it. GDS-K and K-MoCA were performed before and after the experiment, and data analysis was performed through Wilcoxon's test using the SPSS 24.0 statistical package program. Results: The music therapy program through hand manipulation is effective in reducing depression in elderly women with mild depression, and there was a significant decrease. The sub-domains of depression, such as tension and depressive emotions, life dissatisfaction, lethargy, cognitive difficulties, low energy, and loss of motivation, were significantly reduced. In addition, it has an effect on cognition, and it significantly increased in attention, delayed recall ability, which are sub-domains of cognition. There is a significant difference in depression between the experimental group and the control group, and there is a significant difference in cognition between the two groups. Conclusions: The music therapy program with hand manipulation has a positive effect on depression and cognition in elderly women with mild depression.

• Journal of Nutrition and Health
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• v.48 no.6
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• pp.519-529
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• 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of food insecurity in Korean elderly and to analyze the health status as well as food and nutrient intakes according to food insecurity status. Methods: A total of 939 elderly subjects (over 65 years old) were used in our analysis from the fifth 2010 Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES V-1). The variables consisted of general characteristics, physical and mental health, nutrient intake, rate of deficient intake of energy and nutrients compared with Dietary Reference Intakes for Koreans (KDRIs) and food quality and diversity according to the status of food insecurity. Food insecurity status was measured using a self-reported food security questionnaire on the dietary situation in the previous year, and participants were classified according to three groups: food secure group, mildly food insecure group, and moderately/severely food insecure group. Results: The proportion of the food insecure group was approximately 67% and the food insecure group had lower income and educational status than the food secure group. Food insecurity was associated with worse physical and mental health status after adjusting potentially confounding variables. The results showed that food insecurity in Korean elderly significantly affected mental health (including stress cognition, depression experience, and suicide thoughts) which exceeded stages of physical health. In addition, food insecurity showed significant association with low nutrient intake and high rate of deficient intakes of energy and nutrients compared with KDRIs, and a reduction of dietary quality and diversity was indicated in the food insecure group. Conclusion: This study concludes that the prevalence of food insecurity may affect the physical and mental health as well as dietary intake of the elderly Korean population. Therefore, food insecurity should be considered as an important public health issue in Korea.

• Korean Journal of Health Education and Promotion
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• v.24 no.3
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• pp.51-60
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• 2007

Objectives: This study was to investigate the level of xerostomia and depression in the elderly people and to determine the relationship between xerostomia and depression. Methods: The subjects were 238 subjects(86.5%), who were 65 years or older with mean age of 73.6 years. Data was collected using a self administrated questionnaire from September 14 to September 23, 2005. Perception of xerostomia was measured by questionnaire, and depression was measured using the 20-items CES-D. The data were analysed with t-test, one-way ANOVA, pearson correlation coefficient and multiple regression using the SPSS 12.0 Windows. Results: Regarding xerostomia, the subjects was a mean of 7.87 out of a maximum 12 points. The level of depression in the group of people 65 years or older was 21.51 out of a maximum 60 points. Xerostomia was positive related depression in this study. Perceived oral health and xerostomia had a significant impact on depression. Conclusion: Based on the findings, the perception of xerostomia is strongly associated with depression. These results suggest that oral health promotion should be considered various psychological factors related xerostomia in elders.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.20 no.4
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• pp.51-59
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• 2008

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between the types of leisure activity and Korean form of geriatric depression score in the elderly. Methods: We surveyed elderly (>60 years old) people who participated in leisure activities using interviews in Bukgu district, Daegu city. Data collection was performed from 1 - 31 May, 2008. The data was analyzed with SPSS 12.0 program, which was used for descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: Common leisure activities scored 'often' and 'very often' were family conversations, offspring visiting, eating out, plant cultivation, entertainment, conversation, walking or jogging, and TV or radio. It was investigated at the rate of 19.2% in the moderate depression and 8.3% in the severely depression. Depression positively associated with newspaper or magazine, family conversation, offspring visiting, social service, movie & theater, exercise and tour. Conclusion: Most elderly people surveyed indicated they were depressed, which should recommend significant leisure activities for elderly to reduce depression in Bukgu district, Daegu city.

• The Journal of Korean Physical Therapy
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• v.22 no.2
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• pp.31-38
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• 2010

Purpose: We investigated the relationship of depression and the ability to engage in activities of daily living in the elderly. Methods: Subjects (n = 182) were 60 years or older and who attended the Senior College of Gimhae Senior Welfare Center. We collected data via a questionnaire, through a Self- recording method and through individual interviews. We collected data on personal and general characteristics, level of depression, and activities of daily living. Results: Among all subjects, 51.1% reported having depressionMild depression was reported by 29.7% (54 subjects), moderate depression by 13.2% (24 subjects), and severe depression by 8.2% (15 subjects). Activities of daily living, including walking, climbing stairs, standing from a chair and sitting on and using toilets, using a telephone, bathing, shopping, cleaning house, and managing money were significantly lower in elderly subjects who were depressed (p<0.05). The greater the level of depression, the less able they were to engage in activities of daily living. Conclusion: These findings may help us achieve early detection of depression in the elderly and provide mediated arbitration so that they can have better health condition and greater ability to engage in activities of daily living.