Executive dysfunction in late-onset depression
Pisljar, M.; Pirtosek, Z.; Repovs, G.; Grgic, M.
Psychiatria Danubina 20(2): 231-235
2008
ISSN/ISBN: 0353-5053 PMID: 18587296 Document Number: 621028
Depression in the elderly is frequently accompanied by cognitive impairment. Executive dysfunction, including disturbances in planning, sequencing, organizing and abstracting has been reported in late-onset depression. They were found to be associated with relapse and recurrence of geriatric major depression and with residual depressive symptoms. A group of patients with late-onset depression, compared with age matched healthy volunteers, were assessed for deficits in executive functioning. We used the computer version of Stroop Color-Word test enabling more detailed reaction time analysis. Severity of depression was evaluated with Hamilton depression rating scale and Geriatric depression scale. The preliminary results of a study show that patients with late-onset depression have increased absolute reaction times in Stroop colour-word test. Significant differences in the magnitude of individual interference effects pointing towards a characteristic change in attentional processes in depressed patients. The preliminary results of a study comparing a group of elderly depressed patients with a control group of older healthy volunteers confirm changes in executive functions.