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Depression and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults

  • Geriatric Disorders (DC Steffens, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Late life depression (LLD) is a heterogeneous illness with high rates of treatment resistance. Cognitive impairment is common in the context of LLD, and LLD may be a prodromal symptom and/or potentially a risk factor for dementia. This manuscript reviews the most recent research into the cognitive deficits associated with LLD and risk of conversion to dementia in the context of LLD. We discuss potential moderators and mediators of cognitive deficits in LLD, including demographic and clinical variables, in addition to brain structure and function. Potential interventions for cognitive symptoms of LLD are reviewed. We conclude with a discussion of the broader implications of what is now known about LLD, and how this might be applied toward improved prognosis and models for effective treatment.

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Disclosure

Drs Weisenbach and Kales reported no potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article.

Dr Boore has had travel/accommodation expenses reimbursed by the American Association for Geriatric Psychiatry.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, 2101 Commonwealth Boulevard, Suite C, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA

    Sara L. Weisenbach

  2. Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, 4250 Plymouth Road, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA

    Laurie A. Boore & Helen C. Kales

  3. Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, USA

    Sara L. Weisenbach & Helen C. Kales

  4. Center for Clinical Management Research, VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, USA

    Helen C. Kales

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  1. Sara L. Weisenbach
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Correspondence to Sara L. Weisenbach.

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Weisenbach, S.L., Boore, L.A. & Kales, H.C. Depression and Cognitive Impairment in Older Adults. Curr Psychiatry Rep 14, 280–288 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-012-0278-7

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