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Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
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Relationship of Depression With Executive Functions and Visuospatial Memory in Elderly
Monika Klojčnik1, Voyko Kavcic2, Karin Bakracevic Vukman1
11 Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, University of Maribor, Slovenia.
International Journal of Aging & Human Development
|June 9, 2017
Summary
Late-life depression is linked to cognitive decline, particularly in executive and visuospatial memory. Seniors with higher depression scores showed poorer performance on key neurocognitive tests.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neuropsychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Cognitive deficits are a common symptom of depression, especially in older adults.
- Late-life depression may present with distinct patterns of cognitive impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between depression and specific cognitive functions in seniors.
- To identify which cognitive domains, including executive functioning, working memory, and visuospatial memory, are most affected.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 71 seniors (aged 69-85) underwent a battery of neurocognitive tests.
- Tests included assessments of executive functioning (e.g., Trail Making Test B, Stroop test, Verbal Fluency), working memory (e.g., Digit Span), and visuospatial memory (Rey-Osterrieth Complex Figure Test).
Main Results:
- Depression scores negatively correlated with performance on Verbal Fluency, Stroop, and Rey-Osterrieth tests.
- Slower performance on Trail Making Test A and B was also associated with higher depression scores.
- Executive functioning and visuospatial memory deficits, specifically Rey-Osterrieth recall and Stroop test performance, were the strongest predictors of depression.
Conclusions:
- Cognitive impairments in executive functioning and visuospatial memory are significantly linked to depression in the elderly.
- These specific cognitive domains serve as key indicators for depression in late-life individuals.
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