Differential effects of depressive symptoms on prospective and retrospective memory in old age.
The effects of depressive symptoms on prospective and retrospective memory were examined in a population-based sample of elderly persons (n = 404). Depression was assessed using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale and treated as a continuous variable. The variation in depressive symptoms ranged from no symptoms to presence of a clinical depression. Depressive symptoms had a negative effect on consolidation and retrieval in retrospective memory. However, the retrospective, but not the prospective, component of prospective memory was affected by depression. The findings are discussed in light of medial-temporal lobe alterations in depression.
Livner
Asa
A
Aging Research Center, Division of Geriatric Epidemiology, NVS, Karolinska Institutet, Gävlegatan 16 S-113 30 Stockholm, Sweden. asa.livner@ki.se
Berger
Anna-Karin
AK
Karlsson
Sari
S
Backman
Lars
L
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D018672:Community Health Planning; D032882:Comprehension / Q000502:physiology; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications*; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012720:Severity of Illness Index