Incidence of depression in octo- and nonagenerians: results of an epidemiological follow-up community study

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Abstract
The incidence rate of depression in very old people was examined. In a two-wave community study of Munich, Germany a representative sample of 402 people older than 85 years was restudied 1 year later. In the first cross section a total of 358 (89%) subjects were interviewed. One year later 263 (73.6%) subjects could be reexamined. Only persons with two examinations were included for analysis of incidence. Several diagnostic systems were used. According to the project diagnosis of 203 persons at risk, 25 subjects suffered 1 year later from depression. The incidence rate amounted to 133.49 per 1000 person years at risk. According to the GMS-A computer AGECAT diagnosis the incidence rate amounted to 140.97 per 1000 person years at risk. The younger age cohort, persons with changing living situations and subjects suffering from dementia in the first cross section had a higher risk for depression. The results were not significant.