Cardiovascular risk and emotion regulation contribute to depression symptomatology in middle-aged and older autistic adults

Cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF) and executive function difficulties increase during later-life and are associated with depression symptoms among non-autistic older people. These associations, however, have not yet been explored among middle-aged and older autistic people. Using data collected via Simons Foundation Powering Autism Research (SPARK), Research Match, we examined the frequency of CVRF, and associations between CVRF, executive function and depression symptoms in 387 middle-aged and older autistic people (aged 40–83 years). Autistic adults reported high rates of CVRF (two, 28.9%; three or more, 23.2%). Rates of high cholesterol and obesity were greater among middle-aged and older autistic adults compared to the general population. CVRF, age, and emotion regulation (but not inhibitory control), were significantly associated with depression symptoms in middle-aged and older autistic adults. CVRF occur at high rates in middle-aged and older autistic adults, and it is important that healthcare providers monitor risk factors in order to implement preventative strategies. CVRF are associated with depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older autistic adults, but may not be as important as difficulties with emotion regulation.