Bedtime Salivary Cortisol and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults Living With Dementia. (17th December 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dong, Fanghong; McPhillips, Miranda; Petrovsky, Darina; Huang, Liming; Adriana, Adriana; Hodgson, Nancy
• Is Part Of: Innovation in aging. Volume 5(2021)Supplement 1
• Page Start: 435
• Page End: 435
• Publication Date: 2021-12-17
• Subjects: Aging -- Periodicals; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 612.67
• DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igab046.1691
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2399-5300

Abstract

Abstract: The dysregulation of cortisol has been associated with depressive symptoms in older adults. To date, no prospective longitudinal studies have examined whether salivary cortisol is a risk factor for depressive symptoms in persons living with dementia (PLWD). With a sample of 123 PLWD, baseline salivary cortisol was collected at awaking, 30 minutes after awaking, and bedtime. Depressive symptoms were assessed at baseline and the four-week follow-up. Cortisol indicator were centered. Baseline bedtime cortisol level was significantly associated with depressive symptoms in a curvature style while controlling age, gender, and baseline depressive symptoms (β=3.76 for linear term and β=-1.57 for quadratic term, both ps<0.04). No other baseline cortisol measures were significant prospective predictors. Our results suggest the bedtime cortisol was a significant risk factor for depressive symptoms in PLWD. These findings suggest that bedtime cortisol may play a role in the etiology of depressive symptoms in PLWD.