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Depressive symptoms and rates of bone loss at the hip in older men

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Abstract

Summary

In this prospective cohort study, depressive symptoms were associated with higher rates of bone loss in older men. Poorer performance on physical function tests partly explained the association between depressive symptoms and bone loss, suggesting that efforts to increase exercise and improve physical performance in depressed men may be beneficial.

Introduction

The aim of this study was to ascertain whether depressive symptoms are associated with increased rates of bone loss at the hip in older men.

Methods

A population-based prospective cohort study of 2,464 community-dwelling men, aged 68 and older, enrolled in the Osteoporosis in Men Sleep Ancillary Study had depressive symptoms assessed by the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Subjects were categorized as depressed if GDS ≥6 at the initial examination. Bone mineral density (BMD) at the hip was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry at the initial and follow-up examination (average 3.4 years between exams). Use of antidepressant medications was assessed by interview and verified from medication containers at the two examinations. A computerized dictionary was used to categorize type of medication.

Results

In a base model adjusted for age, race/ethnicity, and clinic site, the mean total hip BMD decreased 0.70 %/year in 136 men with a GDS score of ≥6 compared to 0.39 %/year in 2,328 men with a GDS score of <6 (p = 0.001). Walking speed and timed chair stand partly explained the association between depressive symptoms and rates of bone loss.

Conclusion

Depression, as defined by a score of 6 or greater on the Geriatric Depression Scale, is associated with an increased rate of bone loss at the hip in this cohort of older men. Adjustment for walking speed and timed chair stand attenuated the strength of the association, suggesting that differences in physical functioning do partially explain the observed association.

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Acknowledgments

The Osteoporotic Fractures in Men (MrOS) study is supported by the National Institutes of Health funding. The following institutes provide support: the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), the National Institute on Aging, the National Center for Research Resources, and NIH Roadmap for Medical Research under the following grant numbers: U01 AR45580, U01 AR45614, U01 AR45632, U01 AR45647, U01 AR45654, U01 AR45583, U01 AG18197, U01-AG027810, and UL1 RR024140. Dr. Haney is supported by a career development award from the NIAMS: K23 AR051926.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Medicine and Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    S. J. Diem & K. E. Ensrud

  2. California Pacific Medical Center Research Institute, San Francisco, CA, USA

    S. L. Harrison & K. L. Stone

  3. Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR, USA

    E. Haney & E. Orwoll

  4. Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA

    J. A. Cauley

  5. Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA

    K. E. Ensrud

  6. University of Minnesota, 1100 Washington Avenue S., Suite 201, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA

    S. J. Diem

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Correspondence to S. J. Diem.

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Diem, S.J., Harrison, S.L., Haney, E. et al. Depressive symptoms and rates of bone loss at the hip in older men. Osteoporos Int 24, 111–119 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-012-1975-0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00198-012-1975-0

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