Executive dysfunction in late-onset depression.
OBJECTIVE
Depression in the elderly is frequently accompanied by cognitive impairment. Executive dysfunction, including disturbances in planning, sequencing, organizing and abstracting has been reported in late-onset depression. They were found to be associated with relapse and recurrence of geriatric major depression and with residual depressive symptoms.


METHODS
A group of patients with late-onset depression, compared with age matched healthy volunteers, were assessed for deficits in executive functioning. We used the computer version of Stroop Color-Word test enabling more detailed reaction time analysis. Severity of depression was evaluated with Hamilton depression rating scale and Geriatric depression scale.


RESULTS
The preliminary results of a study show that patients with late-onset depression have increased absolute reaction times in Stroop colour-word test. Significant differences in the magnitude of individual interference effects pointing towards a characteristic change in attentional processes in depressed patients.


CONCLUSIONS
The preliminary results of a study comparing a group of elderly depressed patients with a control group of older healthy volunteers confirm changes in executive functions.
Pisljar
Marko
M
Psychiatric Hospital Idrija, Pot sv. Antona 49, SI-5280 Idrija, Slovenia. marko.pisljar@amis.net
Pirtosek
Z
Z
Repovs
G
G
Grgic
M
M
D000368:Aged; D001288:Attention; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D003118:Color Perception; D003220:Conflict, Psychological; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D004193:Discrimination Learning; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011340:Problem Solving; D011379:Prognosis; D011594:Psychometrics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011930:Reaction Time; D012008:Recurrence; D012016:Reference Values; D012660:Semantics; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012984:Software
D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors