Author/Editor		Pišljar, Marko; Pirtošek, Z; Repovš, G; Grgič, M
Title		Executive dysfunction in late-onset depression
Type		članek
Source		Psychiatr Danub
Vol. and No.		Letnik 20, št. 2
Publication year		2008
Volume		str. 231-5
Language		eng
Abstract		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. Subjects and 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. Conclusion: 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.
Descriptors		DEPRESSIVE DISORDER COGNITION DISORDERS