Prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with geriatric depression diagnosis

Aim In this study, the aim was to identify the prevalence of sarcopenia among patients with geriatric depression (GD) diagnosis and to collect data to illuminate precautions to reduce disease load. Method The study was completed with 116 patients (GD group) aged 65 years or older with possible or definite depression diagnosis according to the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) criteria and 301 volunteers aged from 18 to 39 years (control 1) and above 65 years (control 2). Our prospective and cross-sectional study applied the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) to control 1 group and the GDS and Mini Mental Test (MMSE) to control 2 and GD groups. All groups had skeletal muscle mass index (SMMI), muscle strength, and physical performance assessed with sarcopenia diagnosis according to the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP) diagnostic criteria. Results In our study, in parallel with the severity of disease in patients with GD diagnosis, the prevalence of sarcopenia (led by severe sarcopenia) was observed to be high compared to the control group. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 12.7%/24.2% among women and 13.8%/44.0% among men and 13.4%/32.8% in total in the control 2 and GD groups, respectively. There was a significant increase observed in the prevalence of sarcopenia, led by severe sarcopenia with a definite depression diagnosis. Conclusion For GD patients, diagnosis of sarcopenia in the early stages and precautions like improving muscle functions with protein support in diet and resistance exercises will make it possible to contribute to improving clinical results of the disease.