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Updated: May 31, 2026
10:13
Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Memory predicts changes in depressive symptoms in older adults: a bidirectional longitudinal analysis
Archana Jajodia1, Ashley Borders
1Psychology Service, VA San Diego, 8810 Rio San Diego Drive, MC 116A4Z, San Diego, CA 92108, USA. ajajodia@ucsd.edu
Summary
Memory decline predicts later depressive symptoms in older adults, but not vice versa. Vascular health may partially explain this link between memory and mood.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depressive symptoms and memory performance are linked in older adults.
- The directionality of this relationship is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if depressive symptoms predict future memory decline.
- To examine if memory decline predicts future depressive symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of over 14,000 US adults aged 50+ (Health and Retirement Study).
- Assessed delayed recall (memory) and depressive symptoms biannually.
- Controlled for age, sex, education, and vascular disease history.
Main Results:
- Memory performance predicted increased depressive symptoms two years later.
- Depressive symptoms did not predict subsequent memory change.
- Vascular health partially mediated the memory-to-depression relationship.
Conclusions:
- Worsening memory may precede increases in depressive symptoms.
- Biological and psychological factors may underlie this association.
- Further research is needed to elucidate these mechanisms.
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