Depression is becoming recognized as a prime factor affecting older adults' functional abilities
and disability. However, there is a scarcity of data on depression in older adult American Indians
and none on the impact of depression on functional skills in this group. Using a sample of 314
American Indians from urban and rural areas, depression was found to be a significant predictor
of Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) abilities
even after demographic variables and comorbid medical illness were accounted for. Because
American Indians have higher Comorbid Medical Illnesses (CMI) than do members of the
dominant culture, the results of the current study heighten the need for assessment and treatment
of depression in older American Indians.
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