Digestive diseases can impact the mental health of older adults.

Digestive diseases can impact the mental health of older adults.

The Impact of Digestive Diseases on Older Adults: Loneliness and Depression

Bloating, Constipation, and More

A recent study has shed light on the connection between digestive diseases, loneliness, and depression in older adults. According to gastroenterologist Dr. Shirley Cohen-Mekelburg, these conditions are not only debilitating but can also have a significant impact on an individual’s mental and emotional well-being.

While there has been a growing emphasis on understanding the reasons behind the increasing prevalence of digestive diseases in the United States, the study reveals that current approaches often overlook the influence of psychosocial factors. As physicians, it is crucial for us to recognize the psychosocial aspects of our patients’ lives, as they can greatly affect gastrointestinal health and overall well-being.

To explore this link between digestive diseases and mental health, a team of gastroenterologists and hepatologists conducted a study. The researchers examined rates of loneliness, depression, and social isolation in older adults with and without digestive diseases. They aimed to quantify these numbers with self-reported rates of poor health.

The study utilized data from the University of Michigan Health and Retirement Study, which included approximately 20,000 individuals aged 50 and above, along with their spouses. Loneliness was defined as distressed feelings resulting from being alone, while social isolation referred to physical separation from others, independent of psychological well-being.

Out of the more than 7,000 participants observed, 56% had a digestive disease, while 44% did not. The findings revealed that approximately 60% of respondents with digestive diseases reported feelings of loneliness, compared to 56% of those without. Additionally, 13% of individuals with digestive diseases and 8% of those without reported severe depression. Social isolation was reported by approximately 9% in both groups.

The study also highlighted that individuals with digestive diseases were more likely to report “poor-or-fair” health compared to those without such conditions. Furthermore, among patients with digestive diseases, loneliness and moderate to severe depression were associated with a higher likelihood of self-reporting “poor-or-fair” health.

Dr. Cohen-Mekelburg hopes that these findings will encourage gastroenterologists to screen patients for depression and loneliness, in addition to addressing their physical symptoms. By doing so, healthcare providers can develop comprehensive care pathways that incorporate mental health treatment for patients, benefiting their overall well-being.

The study findings were published in Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology, underscoring the significance of considering the psychological impact of digestive diseases on older adults.

Loneliness and depression can significantly contribute to the overall well-being of individuals with digestive diseases. Gastroenterologists, therefore, have a unique opportunity to play a pivotal role in improving patients’ holistic health. By recognizing the association between mood disorders, social isolation, and digestive diseases, healthcare providers can better support their patients and enhance their overall quality of life.

For more information on the connection between social isolation, loneliness, and health issues, please visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Source: Michigan Medicine – University of Michigan, news release, Sept. 12, 2023