Depression predicts cognitive decline in Hong Kong Chinese older adults

Depression is quite common among the elderly members of Hong Kong Chinese s ociety. This study examined the impact of depression on change in cognitive functioning among the older people. The respondents were 260 people aged 7 0 years or older from a longitudinal study of a representative community sa mple of the elderly population in Hong Kong. Using multiple regression mode ls, the authors found that depression at baseline measurement was negativel y associated with cognitive functioning three years later, even after socio demographic, physical health status, smoking status, exercise behavior and social support variables were applied in regression models.