Researchers have found that depression was 20 percent more common in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD) than in those without the disease.

Higher rate of hospitalization for acute kidney injury is also noted is linked to depression, even after considering for heart disease, inflammatory markers, and lifestyle factors such as body mass index (BMI), smoking, alcohol consumption and physical activity, according to the investigators.

The study, included 5,785 people in the United States who were followed for 10 years and were participated by 65 years and older and were not on kidney dialysis.

The study, is led by Dr. Willem Kop of the Department of Medical Psychology and Neuropsychology at the University of Tilburg, the Netherlands
People with elevated depressive symptoms have a higher risk of subsequent adverse kidney disease outcomes.

The depression association was stronger in patients who were otherwise healthy compared to those who had co-existing medical disorders such as diabetes or heart disease,” the researchers wrote in a journal news release.