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Mild Cognitive Impairment Subtypes in Older People With Depressive Symptoms: Relationship With Clinical Variables and

Hirosha K Jayaweera1, Ian B Hickie1, Shantel L Duffy1

  • 1Healthy Brain Ageing Program, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia Clinical Research Unit, Brain & Mind Research Institute, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.

Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry and Neurology
|March 13, 2015
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) affects over 75% of older adults with depression history, independent of symptom severity. Memory decline in these individuals is linked to hippocampal atrophy.

Area of Science:

  • Geriatric Psychiatry
  • Neuroscience
  • Cognitive Psychology

Background:

  • Depression is common in older adults.
  • Cognitive impairment, including mild cognitive impairment (MCI), is a frequent concern in aging populations.
  • The relationship between depression, MCI, and memory decline requires further elucidation, particularly concerning underlying neurobiological factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and clinical features of MCI in older individuals experiencing depressive symptoms.
  • To assess the role of hippocampal volume and MCI in mediating memory changes in this demographic.
  • To differentiate MCI in depressed older adults from that solely attributable to current symptom severity.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 152 participants with a history of Major Depression (remitted or mild symptoms) and 28 healthy controls were recruited.
  • Psychiatric and neuropsychological assessments were administered to all participants.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was utilized to measure hippocampal volume in a subset of patients (n=81) and controls (n=18).

Main Results:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) was diagnosed in 75.7% of participants with a history of depression.
  • MCI diagnosis was associated with older age, higher medical burden, vascular risk factors, later age of depression onset, and reduced hippocampal volume.
  • Regression analyses indicated that both hippocampal volume and MCI diagnosis significantly mediated memory performance in the depressed group.

Conclusions:

  • Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is highly prevalent in older adults with a history of depression, extending beyond current symptom severity.
  • Memory impairment in this population is associated with structural brain changes, specifically hippocampal atrophy.
  • These findings highlight the importance of assessing cognitive function and neurobiological changes in older adults with a history of depression.
Keywords:
DepressionMRIMemoryMild Cognitive ImpairmentNeuroimaging

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