State of the Science of Neural Systems in Late‐Life Depression: Impact on Clinical Presentation and Treatment Outcome. (16th April 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Manning, Kevin J.; Steffens, David C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. Volume 66:(2018)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S17
• Page End: S23
• Publication Date: 2018-04-16
• Subjects: neuroticism -- executive functioning -- geriatric depression -- cognitive training -- mindfulness; Geriatrics -- Periodicals; 618.97
• DOI: 10.1111/jgs.15353
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-8614

Abstract

Abstract : Major depression in older adults, or late‐life depression (LLD), is a common and debilitating psychiatric disorder that increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Although the effects of LLD make it important to achieve a diagnosis and start treatment quickly, individuals with LLD are often inadequately or unsuccessfully treated. The latest treatment developments suggest that interventions targeting executive dysfunction and neuroticism, constructs associated with poor response to antidepressants in older adults, are successful in treating LLD. Specific behavioral interventions (computerized cognitive training, mindfulness meditation, aerobic exercise) appear to decrease depressive symptoms and ameliorate executive dysfunction and neuroticism, but we do not fully understand the mechanisms by which these treatments work. We review recent research on neural network changes underlying executive dysfunction and neuroticism in LLD and their association with clinical outcomes (e.g., treatment response, cognitive functioning).