Age and gender disparities in depression and subjective cognitive decline-related outcomes

Objectives: Determine the association between depression and SCD-related outcomes by age and gender. Methods: Using 2018 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System survey data, crude and multivariable logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between depression and SCD-related outcomes by age and gender. Results: Among respondents 45 to 69, depression was associated with SCD [adjusted OR (aOR): 4.36; 95% CI: 3.24–5.86]; needing assistance with activities due to confusion/memory loss (aOR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.26 − 4.51); needing help with activities and the help is not available (aOR: 4.46; 95% CI: 1.31 − 15.2); and having discussed confusion/memory loss with a health care professional (aOR: 1.87; 95% CI: 1.09 − 3.23). However, among respondents 70 and older, depression was associated with SCD (aOR): 3.52; 95% CI: 2.06–6.02); needing help with activities and the help is not available (aOR: 0.09; 95% CI: 0.01–0.56); confusion/memory loss interfering with work/social activities (aOR: 2.44; 95% CI: 1.03–5.79); and having discussed confusion/memory loss with a health care professional (aOR): 2.99; 95% CI: 1.20–7.40). Depression was positively associated with SCD among men (aOR): 3.68; 95% CI: 2.52–5.38) and women (aOR): 4.76; 95% CI: 3.29–6.87; and was positively associated with all SCD-related outcomes among men except for confusion/memory loss interfering with work/social activities and given up chores. Depression was positively associated with the latter among women (aOR): 2.10; 95% CI: 1.09–4.06). Discussion: SCD interventions should include assessment of and intervention for depression, and consider age and gender differences.