A population study on the influence of depression on neuropsychological functioning in 85-year-olds

Author(s): Johansson, B., Berg, S., Skoog, I.

Journal/Book: Acta Psychiat Scand. 2000; 101: 35 Norre Sogade, PO Box 2148, Dk-1016 Copenhagen, Denmark. Munksgaard Int Publ Ltd. 185-193.

Abstract: Objective: To examine cognitive function in very old depressed individuals. Method: Individuals with major depression (MDS) or dysthymia according to the DSM-III-R were compared to mentally healthy regarding tests of verbal ability, inductive logical reasoning, spatial ability, perceptual speed, basic arithmetics, primary memory and secondary memory in a population-based sample of 85-year-olds. Results: Individuals with MDS performed worse than mentally healthy individuals in tests of verbal ability, inductive logical reasoning, spatial ability, perceptual speed and secondary memory. There were no differences between the groups regarding basic arithmetics and primary memory. The poor test performance was mainly associated with psychomotor retardation and decreased concentration in depressed individuals. Memory complaints were not correlated to poor test performance, neither in the mentally healthy nor in the depressed. Conclusion: MDS in elderly individuals is associated with reduced cognitive test performance, especially regarding more complex and time-demanding tests and in tests of secondary memory.

Note: Article Palsson S, Univ Gothenburg, Dept Psychiat, Sahlgrenska Hosp, Inst Clin Neurosci, S-41345 Gothenburg, SWEDEN

Keyword(s): cohort study; aged; cognition; motivation; depressive disorder; psychomotor performance; WHITE-MATTER LESIONS; MAJOR DEPRESSION; COGNITIVE FUNCTION; NONDEMENTED 85-YEAR-OLDS; ELDERLY DEPRESSIVES; ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE; ONSET DEPRESSION; LATER LIFE; MEMORY; COMMUNITY

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