[Interpreting cognitive impairment in mood disorders in the elderly]

In the elderly, cognitive impairment is often associated with depression. Through two case reports, we would like to underline that cognitive impairment should not be reduced immediately to an organic disorder but should be interpreted considering its potential meaning in the psychic life of the patient. The case of Mme R. show that a psychic trauma can lead to cognitive dysfunction by regression mechanisms, and the story of Mme S. remind us that cognitive capacity can fluctuate according to intrapsychic conflicts even in the course of a neurodegenerative disease. Cognitive impairment in depressed older adults should be considered as a symptom that should be analyzed in order to define its origin and meaning.