Influence of diabetes on depression and physical performance among institutionalized elderly: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Background: The prevalence of DM has been reported to increase significantly with age. Higher incidence of depression, cognitive decline and reduced physical function among diabetics compared to non-diabetics may be explained by biochemical alterations linked to the disease. Additionally, institutionalization has been shown to have a detrimental effect on the health-related quality of life of the elderly. It is unclear if diabetes increases the risk of depression and physical and cognitive impairment in older people living in institutions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of diabetes, and physical performance among institutionalized elderly using GDS, and SPPB. Methodology: Institutionalized elderly aged 65-85 years, with diabetes were screened for depression and physical performance using Geriatric Depression Scale-short form and Short Physical Performance Battery respectively, and the correlation with each other estimated. Results: 27 subjects constituted the sample of this pilot study. A statistically significant association was found between diabetes and higher GDS scores (x2=27.00, p=0.001). Also, a statistically significant association between diabetes and lower SPPB levels (x2=23.62, p=0.001). Conclusion: This pilot study on institutionalized elderly concluded that diabetes is associated with higher risk of depression and reduced physical performance.