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Neuropsychological differences between late-onset and recurrent geriatric major depression
Michael A Rapp1, Karen Dahlman, Mary Sano
1Department of Psychiatry, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, One Gustave L. Levy Pl., Box 1230, New York, NY 10029, USA. michael.rapp@mssm.edu
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|April 1, 2005
Summary
Late-onset geriatric major depression shows attention and executive function deficits, unlike recurrent depression which impacts episodic memory. Late-onset depression also has higher rates of anhedonia and cardiovascular issues.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Neuropsychology
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Executive dysfunction is common in late-onset major depressive disorder, potentially linked to vascular issues.
- Neuropsychological differences between late-onset and recurrent geriatric depression are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate variations in neuropsychological function, symptoms, and cardiovascular comorbidity between late-onset and recurrent geriatric major depression.
Main Methods:
- A two-by-two factorial design examined current major depressive disorder and lifetime history of depression.
- Neuropsychological tests assessed executive functioning and episodic memory in 116 older adults.
- Psychopathological symptoms and comorbid medical illnesses were also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Late-onset depression patients had specific deficits in attention and executive function.
- Recurrent depression patients showed deficits in episodic memory.
- Anhedonia and cardiovascular comorbidity were more prevalent in late-onset depression.
Conclusions:
- Late-onset geriatric major depression is associated with attention/executive function deficits, anhedonia, and cardiovascular issues.
- Recurrent geriatric major depression is characterized by episodic memory deficits.
- Findings suggest these may be distinct entities, informing future research and treatment.