Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
06:58
Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
Vascular burden and cognitive functioning in depressed older adults
Brooke Schneider1, Linda Ercoli, Prabha Siddarth
1Psychology Service, Greater Los Angeles VA Healthcare Center, West Los Angeles, CA, USA.
Summary
Vascular burden is linked to cognitive decline in older adults with depression, affecting attention and cognitive control. Managing vascular risk factors may help preserve cognitive function in this population.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Health
Background:
- Vascular burden is a known contributor to geriatric depression and cognitive impairment.
- Understanding the link between vascular health and cognitive function in older adults with depression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between vascular burden and specific patterns of cognitive impairment in older adults diagnosed with major depression.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 94 community-dwelling older adults with major depression (mean age 70.8).
- Conducted comprehensive evaluations of depression, apathy, and vascular risk factors.
- Administered cognitive tests assessing memory, cognitive control, verbal fluency, and attention.
Main Results:
- Higher vascular burden correlated significantly with depression severity.
- Vascular burden was associated with impaired cognitive control (inhibition/mental flexibility) and attention.
- No significant correlation was found between vascular burden and performance on memory or verbal fluency tasks.
Conclusions:
- Vascular burden significantly contributes to cognitive impairment in older adults with depression, particularly affecting attention and cognitive control.
- Aggressive management of vascular risk factors is recommended to mitigate cognitive decline in this demographic.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Depression: Overview
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
01:30Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Cognitive development continues throughout adulthood, undergoing significant shifts across early, middle, and late stages. Individual transition occurs from adolescent idealism to pragmatic and adaptable thinking in early adulthood. During this period, individuals learn to integrate personal beliefs with the recognition that other perspectives are equally valid. Exposure to the complexities of modern society, diverse experiences, and higher education contribute to this adaptive thought process,...
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
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...
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...
01:22Dementia l: Introduction
Dementia is an acquired, progressive syndrome characterized by a decline in multiple cognitive domains severe enough to impair daily functioning and reduce independence. Although memory loss is a central feature, the diagnosis requires additional deficits involving language, executive function, visuospatial skills, judgment, calculation, or abstract reasoning. These cognitive impairments reflect underlying neurodegenerative or vascular processes that gradually disrupt neuronal networks...