Cognitive Decline and Its Associated Factors in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a significant and common mental health problem occurring worldwide. Cognitive decline is frequently observed during acute and residual phases of MDD, contributing significantly to functional impairment. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical profile and correlates of cognitive decline amongst adult outpatients with MDD.

The survey was cross-sectional in design. A systematic random sampling method was used to recruit patients. Confirmation of MDD was achieved by using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (M.I.N.I 7.0). Cognitive decline was measured using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Descriptive analysis was performed, followed by univariate and multiple logistic regression analyses.

Out of 245 patients, 32.7% (n = 80, 95% CI: 26.7, 38.6) had cognitive decline. Multiple logistic regression showed the existence of cognitive decline amongst MDD patients, which was significantly associated with those having secondary and lower levels of education (OR: 6.09; 95% CI: 2.82, 13.16; p < 0.001), five or more depressive episodes (OR: 8.93; 95% CI: 3.24, 24.67; p < 0.001), treatment non-compliance (OR: 3.48; 95% CI: 1.40, 6.59; p = 0.003), and medical comorbidity (OR: 2.74; 95% CI: 1.46, 5.18; p = 0.002).

Cognitive decline is a prevalent condition among outpatients with MDD. Clinicians need to be cognizant about measures of cognition and related risk factors. Timely control of both depression and medical comorbidities would be a reasonable approach to improve functional outcomes in MDD patients.