Depression predicts cognitive decline in Hong Kong Chinese older adults

Depression is quite common among the elderly members of Hong Kong Chinese society. This study examined the impact of depression on change in cognitive functioning among the older people. The respondents were 260 people aged 70 years or older from a longitudinal study of a representative community sample of the elderly population in Hong Kong. Using multiple regression models, the authors found that depression at baseline measurement was negatively associated with cognitive functioning three years later, even after sociodemographic, physical health status, smoking status, exercise behavior and social support variables were applied in regression models.