The Effect of Vitamin D and Calcium on Cognitive Function and Depression in the Elderly Living in a City

Article information

Res Community Public Health Nurs. 2017;28(3):251-259

Publication date (electronic) : 2017 September 12

doi : https://doi.org/10.12799/jkachn.2017.28.3.251

¹Department of Nursing, Dongnam Health University, Suwon, Korea

²Promotion Support Team, ‘Outreach Community Service Center’ Project in Seoul, Seoul, Korea

Corresponding author: Lee, Yu-Jin Department of Nursing, Dongnam Health University, 50 Cheoncheon-ro, 74-gil, Jangan-gu, Suwon 16328, Korea. Tel: +82-31-249-6695, Fax: +82-31-249-6480, E-mail: lyj15@dongnam.ac.kr

Received 2017 May 01; Revised 2017 July 11; Accepted 2017 July 11.

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to examine the influence of vitamin D and calcium on depression and cognitive function of the elderly living alone in a city.

Methods

The participants were registered in eight senior centers in S city and they had lived alone. Data were collected between November 28, 2014 and March 7, 2015. A total of 155 people participated in data collection to measure the serum vitamin D, the serum calcium, depression, and cognitive function. The data were analyzed with t-test, ANOVA, Pearson's correlation and multiple regression analysis.

Results

There were significant differences in depression according to gender and perceptions of health status. Depression correlated significantly with the serum calcium and perceptions of health status, and a stepwise regression analysis showed that the perceptions of health status were significant. There were significant differences in cognitive function according to education level and age. Cognitive function correlated significantly with the serum vitamin D and a stepwise regression analysis showed that education level and age were significant.

Conclusion

Consequently, elderly people with poor perceptions of their health status need a depressive intervention program and those with a higher age and lower level of education need a cognitive function intervention program.

Keywords: Vitamin D; Calcium; Aged; Depression; Cognitive function

Table 1.

Characteristics, Vitamin D, Calcium, Depression, Cognitive Function of the Study Population (N=155)

Table 2.

Depression, Cognitive Function by General Characteristics (N=155)

Table 3.

Correlations between Depression, Cognitive Function, Vitamin D, Calcium, Perceived Health and Outdoor Activity Time (N=155)

Table 4.

Factors influencing Depression (N=155)

Table 5.

Factors influencing Cognitive Function (N=155)

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