Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
A population study on the influence of depression on neuropsychological functioning in 85-year-olds
S Pálsson1, B Johansson, S Berg
1Department of Psychiatry, Sahlgrenska Hospital, Göteborg University, Sweden.
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.
Related Concept Videos
Long-term Depression
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Depression: Overview
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...

