Depression, Falls, and Risk of Fracture in Older Women

Open Access
Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
FIFTEEN PERCENT of elderly individuals report clinically relevant symptoms of depression.1 Depression is associated with increased disability,2 poor physical function,3-6 falls,7-12 and low bone density,13-15 all of which increase susceptibility to osteoporotic fractures.16-18 Older individuals who are depressed may also be at increased risk for falls and fracture due to the effects of antidepressants or sedatives.12,19-22 Patients with depression have poorer recoveries following fractures.23-25 However, it is not known whether depression is associated with an increased risk of fracture. To determine the risk of falls and fracture in women with depression, we measured depression, physical function, and bone density in a cohort of older women, and followed them for incident falls and fractures.