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. DESIGN: Secondary analyses of 2001 National Health Interview Survey data. PARTICIPANTS: Nine thousand eight hundred and thirty-two people aged 55 and older residing in the community in the US. MEASUREMENTS: Self-report answers to questions about hearing and vision status, depressive symptoms, health, education level, poverty, social activities, social support, and functional disability (ADL and IADL status). RESULTS: Dual sensory loss had a significant effect on depressive symptoms (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 2.8-4.0), which was lowered but still significant after controlling for covariates of depression (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.7-2.9). Those with dual sensory loss were not significantly more likely than those with vision loss, but were significantly more likely than those with hearing loss, to experience symptoms of depression. CONCLUSION: Experiencing depressive symptoms is a problem that needs to be addressed with elderly persons with dual sensory loss. Not only is this population more likely to experience these symptoms, because of their sensory losses treatment for them may be problematical. Professionals working with the elderly should be aware of the increased risks of depressive symptoms in those with single or dual sensory loss, and should screen for them. If present, rehabilitation for sensory losses may help decrease them.