Clarifying the relationship between sarcopenia and depression in geriatric outpatients

Abstract

Objective: We investigate the relationship between sarcopenia components and depression in geriatric outpatients, considering the effects of potential confounding factors. Methods: Adults ≥60 years of age were selected from outpatient clinics. Muscle strength was assessed using handgrip strength (HGS) measured using a hydraulic hand dynamometer and chair stand test (CSST). Physical performance was evaluated by usual gait speed (UGS), nutritional status, and frailty were screened by mini-nutritional assessment (MNA) questionnaire and FRAIL scale. Depression was diagnosed through a psychiatric interview and the administration of the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Results: Participants with depression were similar to participants without depression regarding age (p =.055), education (p =.095), frailty (p =.857), and HGS scores (p =.053). The group with depression had longer CSST duration (p =.023), slower UGS (p =.027), and more malnutrition (p =.001). Multivariate regression analysis revealed that only the malnutrition was independently associated factor with depression after adjusting for confounding factors. Conclusions: Depression is associated with malnutrition and some components of sarcopenia in geriatric outpatients. Our results revealed that sarcopenia might be associated with depression through malnutrition. If malnutrition lasts for a long time, sarcopenia may become evident in the later stages of depression.