Government researchers report, "Depressed older people are much more likely to decline physically"

The following are excerpts from an article that appeared in the entertainment section of the 6/4/98 issue of the Oregonian.

"CHICAGO-Depressed older people are much more likely to decline physically, government researchers report, bolstering the notion that mental well-being profoundly influences bodily health.

The study, led by scientists at the National Institute on Aging, suggests prevention and treatment of depression could help the elderly live longer, more active lives."

"Their study of 1,286 Iowans ages 71 and older was published in today's Journal of the American Medical Association."

"The more depressed you are, the more your function declines, and you get stuck in this downward spiral."

"The researchers theorize that depression may lead to physical decline by altering the immune, hormonal and nervous systems."