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Title
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Walk on the sunny side of life : epidemiology of hypovitaminosis D and mental health in elderly nursing home residents
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Author
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Abstract
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| Objectives Old age is a well-known risk factor for both depression and hypovitaminosis D, and an association between both conditions has been postulated. We document the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in nursing home residents, and we examine the link with self-reported depressive symptoms and pharmacotherapy for depression. Design Cross- sectional. Setting: nursing homes in Antwerp, Belgium. Participants Healthy elderly (n=589), with a mean age of 84 years. Measurements We detected depressive symptoms by means of SF-36, a validated quality of life assessment; we registered the use of antidepressants and anxiolytics, and we measured serum 25(OH)D concentrations in all participants. Results Almost our entire study population appeared to be vit D deficient. Comparison of the most severely and least deficient subgroups showed a consistent tendency towards more depressive symptoms and more use of antidepressants in the group with the lowest vit D level. Conclusion Nursing home residents are particularly vulnerable to preventable vit D deficiency. The relevance of the association with depressive symptoms and the possibilities for treatment are critically reviewed in the discussion. |
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Language
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English
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Source (journal)
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The journal of nutrition, health and aging. - New York
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Publication
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New York
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2012
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ISSN
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1279-7707
[print]
1760-4788
[online]
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DOI
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10.1007/S12603-011-0361-5
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Volume/pages
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16
:4
(2012)
, p. 417-420
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ISI
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000304134500026
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Full text (Publisher's DOI)
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Full text (publisher's version - intranet only)
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