Is the change in longitudinal cognitive function in older adults with diabetes affected by trajectory classes of depressive symptoms?

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to identify classes based on the trajectory of depressive symptoms and to examine the impact of trajectory classes of depressive symptoms on longitudinal changes in cognitive function in older adults with diabetes.

METHODS

This is a secondary data analysis of 572 older adults with diabetes using data from the 5th (2014) to 8th (2020) wave of the Korean longitudinal study of aging. Analysis of latent class growth and the effect of trajectories of depressive symptoms on cognitive function was examined using a latent growth curve model. This analysis has been found to be functional in change trajectories and in describing the direction of the trajectory.

RESULTS

The trajectory of depressive symptoms was classified into four classes: low-stable (36.89%), high-decreasing (20.28%), low-increasing (18.71%), and high-persistent (24.13%). Compared with the high-persistent class, higher initial levels of cognitive function were observed in the high-decreasing and low-stable classes. Compared with the high-persistent class, a slower rate of cognitive decline was observed in the low-stable class (B = 0.410, p = .021).

CONCLUSIONS

Continuous monitoring of depressive symptoms and early management of depressive symptoms for community-dwelling older adults with diabetes can help prevent the cognitive decline and delay the deterioration of cognitive function.