Characteristics of blood biomarkers and eating behavior among older community-dwelling adults with typical and atypical depression

Abstract

Summary: Background & Aims: Depression is receiving increase attention for its relation to lifestyle-related diseases. We aim to assess differences in blood biomarkers and dietary habit between individuals with typical and atypical depression. Methods: We gathered data from 804 older Japanese individuals. Participants with diagnosed depression were further grouped into typical or atypical subtypes. Dietary habits were measured by a dietary variety score. Considering the small sample size, descriptive analysis and logistic regression analysis adjusted by propensity score were used to evaluate the associations of blood biomarkers and dietary habits with typical and atypical depression. Results: Via interviews, 777 participants were confirmed to not be depressed, with the remaining 27 individuals having either typical (n = 18) or atypical (n = 9) depression. Weight, BMI, HbA1c levels, and the proportion of never drinkers were higher in the depressed group than in the non-depressed group (P = 0.04, P = 0.02, P = 0.04, P < 0.01, respectively). The habit of fruit intake was lower in the depression group (P = 0.01). Atypical depression was positively associated with weight and BMI (odds ratio: OR 1.06, P = 0.02, OR 1.20, P = 0.01), while typical depression had a positive relation to HbA1c (OR 1.76, P = 0.01). As for eating habit, atypical depression was negatively associated with fruit intake (OR 0.38, P < 0.01). Conclusions: Depression in older individuals was positively associated with weight (atypical type), BMI (atypical type), HbA1c (typical type), and low fruit intake (atypical type).

Keywords

• Atypical depression
• Body Mass Index
• Depression
• Diet
• Lifestyle