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Korten NCM, Penninx BWJH, Rhebergen D, Deeg DJH, Comijs HC. Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal-axis activity and cognitive functioning in older adults. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018. [PMID: 29525585 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.12.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Inconsistent results are found in the involvement of the Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA)-axis in cognitive functioning. This study examined the association between various saliva cortisol measures (the 1-h awakening cortisol, evening cortisol, diurnal change, and cortisol suppression) and cognitive functioning (episodic memory, processing speed, interference control, and working memory). Participants were older adults, between 60 and 93 years with (N = 328) and without (N = 119) a depressive disorder from the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older adults. No significant associations between cortisol and cognitive functioning were observed in the total sample. Only in non-depressed older adults, higher total cortisol secretion over the first hour after awakening and worse episodic memory, higher cortisol levels at awakening and better working memory, and higher diurnal change and better processing speed were significantly associated. Cortisol was not associated with cognitive functioning in depressed older adults. In older adults, the association between depression and cognitive functioning is likely the consequence of other biological or psychological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole C M Korten
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Brenda W J H Penninx
- Department of Psychiatry and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Didi Rhebergen
- Department of Psychiatry and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Dorly J H Deeg
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hannie C Comijs
- Department of Psychiatry and the EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Salvat-Pujol N, Labad J, Urretavizcaya M, de Arriba-Arnau A, Segalàs C, Real E, Ferrer A, Crespo JM, Jiménez-Murcia S, Soriano-Mas C, Menchón JM, Soria V. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activity and cognition in major depression: The role of remission status. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 76:38-48. [PMID: 27883963 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2016] [Revised: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 11/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Neuropsychological deficits and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysfunction have been described in major depressive disorder (MDD). We conducted an exploratory study to investigate the role of remission status in the relationship between HPA axis and cognition in MDD. METHODS Ninety-seven MDD patients (44 remitted, 53 non-remitted) and 97 healthy controls (HC) were evaluated. We measured verbal and visual memory, working memory, processing speed, attention, and executive function. Three HPA axis measures were assessed: cortisol awakening response (CAR), diurnal cortisol slope, and cortisol suppression ratio with 0.25mg of dexamethasone (DSTR). Multiple linear regression analyses were performed to study the relationship between cortisol measures and cognition while controlling for potential confounders. We conducted an overall analysis in all participants to compare both MDD-remitted and MDD non-remitted groups with respect to HC. Another analysis including MDD patients only was used to explore a moderating effect by remission status. RESULTS MDD patients showed poorer cognitive performance compared with HC, without significant differences between remitters and non-remitters. Cortisol measures did not differ between remitters and non-remitters. Although most HPA axis measures were not associated with cognitive dysfunction, we found significant associations between cognitive performance in MDD-remitters and cortisol measures for visual memory, processing speed and executive function. A significant moderating effect for remission status was found between cortisol diurnal slope (but neither CAR nor DSTR) and performance in processing speed or executive function. CONCLUSIONS Remission status in MDD appears to moderate the association between some cognitive domains (processing speed and executive function) and HPA axis activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Salvat-Pujol
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Labad
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Department of Mental Health, I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain
| | - Mikel Urretavizcaya
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aida de Arriba-Arnau
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cinto Segalàs
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain
| | - Eva Real
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain
| | - Alex Ferrer
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Crespo
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Susana Jiménez-Murcia
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain
| | - Carles Soriano-Mas
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Psychobiology and Methodology of Health Sciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Menchón
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Virginia Soria
- Bellvitge University Hospital, Psychiatry Department, Bellvitge Biomedical Research Institute (IDIBELL), Neurosciences Group - Psychiatry and Mental Health, Barcelona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Carlos III Health Institute, Spain; Department of Clinical Sciences, School of Medicine, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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Labad J, Gutiérrez-Zotes A, Creus M, Montalvo I, Cabezas Á, Solé M, Ortega L, Algora MJ, Sánchez-Gistau V, Vilella E. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis measures and cognitive abilities in early psychosis: Are there sex differences? Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 72:54-62. [PMID: 27344379 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Measures of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activity such as increased diurnal cortisol levels or a blunted cortisol awakening response (CAR) have been associated with cognitive impairments in people with psychotic disorders. We aimed to explore whether there are sex differences in the relationship between HPA axis measures and cognition in early psychosis (EP). METHODS 60 EP outpatients and 50 healthy subjects (HS) were assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery. Saliva cortisol levels were determined at the neuropsychological assessment and on another day at 6 sampling times: awakening; 30' and 60' post-awakening; and 10:00h, 23:00h and 10:00h the day after the administration of 0.25mg of dexamethasone, which occurred at 23:00h. Three HPA axis measures were calculated: CAR, cortisol diurnal slope and cortisol suppression ratio of the dexamethasone suppression test (DST). Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to explore the relationship between HPA axis measures and cognitive tasks while adjusting for covariates (education level, smoking, cannabis use, and cortisol levels at the cognitive assessment). Interactions between female sex, EP diagnosis and HPA axis measures were examined. RESULTS An increased CAR was associated with a poorer cognitive performance in EP women in processing speed and verbal memory. In contrast, a more flattened diurnal cortisol slope was associated with poorer functioning in the spatial working memory of EP women. DST suppression ratio was associated with better visual memory, without sex differences. CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests that there are sex differences in the relationship between HPA axis measures and cognitive abilities in EP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Labad
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. CIBERSAM, Sabadell, Spain.
| | - Alfonso Gutiérrez-Zotes
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Marta Creus
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Itziar Montalvo
- Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, I3PT, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. CIBERSAM, Sabadell, Spain
| | - Ángel Cabezas
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Montse Solé
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Laura Ortega
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Maria José Algora
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Vanessa Sánchez-Gistau
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
| | - Elisabet Vilella
- Hospital Universitari Institut Pere Mata, IISPV, Universitat Rovira i Virgili. CIBERSAM, Reus, Spain
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Belvederi Murri M, Pariante C, Mondelli V, Masotti M, Atti AR, Mellacqua Z, Antonioli M, Ghio L, Menchetti M, Zanetidou S, Innamorati M, Amore M. HPA axis and aging in depression: systematic review and meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2014; 41:46-62. [PMID: 24495607 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2013.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 12/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
One of the most consistent findings in the biology of depression is an altered activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. However, data concerning this issue have never been examined with a focus on the older population. Here we present a systematic review and meta-analysis, based on studies investigating levels of cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) in depressed participants older than 60 and compared with healthy controls. We found 20 studies, for a total of 43 comparisons on different indices of HPA axis functioning. Depression had a significant effect (Hedges' g) on basal cortisol levels measured in the morning (0.89), afternoon (0.83) and night (1.39), but a smaller effect on cortisol measured continuously (0.51). The effect of depression was even higher on post-dexamethasone cortisol levels (3.22), whereas it was non-significant on morning ACTH and CRH levels. Subgroup analyses indicated that various methodological and clinical factors can influence the study results. Overall, older participants suffering from depression show a high degree of dysregulation of HPA axis activity, with differences compared with younger adults. This might depend on several mechanisms, including physical illnesses, alterations in the CNS and immune-endocrinological alterations. Further studies are needed to clarify the implications of altered HPA axis activity in older patients suffering from depression. Novel pharmacological approaches might be effective in targeting this pathophysiological feature, thus improving the clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martino Belvederi Murri
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Neurosciences Division of Psychiatry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.
| | - Carmine Pariante
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychological Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mattia Masotti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Oftalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Atti
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences - Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Zefiro Mellacqua
- Institute of Psychiatry, Department of Psychosis Studies, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Marco Antonioli
- Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences - Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Lucio Ghio
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Oftalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Menchetti
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Marco Innamorati
- Department of Neurosciences Division of Psychiatry, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Mario Amore
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Neuroscience, Oftalmology, Genetics and Infant-Maternal Science, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Hinkelmann K, Muhtz C, Dettenborn L, Agorastos A, Moritz S, Wingenfeld K, Spitzer C, Gold SM, Wiedemann K, Otte C. Association between cortisol awakening response and memory function in major depression. Psychol Med 2013; 43:2255-2263. [PMID: 23442784 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291713000287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While impaired memory and altered cortisol secretion are characteristic features of major depression, much less is known regarding the impact of antidepressant medication. We examined whether the cortisol awakening response (CAR) is increased in depressed patients with and without medication compared with healthy controls (HC) and whether CAR is associated with memory function in each group. METHOD We examined 21 patients with major depression without medication, 20 depressed patients on antidepressant treatment, and 41 age-, sex- and education-matched healthy subjects. We tested verbal (Auditory Verbal Learning Task) and visuospatial (Rey figure) memory and measured CAR on two consecutive days. RESULTS Patient groups did not differ in severity of depression. We found a significant effect of group (p = 0.03) for CAR. Unmedicated patients exhibited a greater CAR compared with medicated patients (p = 0.04) with no differences between patient groups and HC. We found a significant effect of group for verbal (p = 0.03) and non-verbal memory (p = 0.04). Unmedicated patients performed worse compared with medicated patients and HC in both memory domains. Medicated patients and HC did not differ. Regression analyses revealed a negative association between CAR and memory function in depressed patients, but not in HC. CONCLUSIONS While in unmedicated depressed patients the magnitude of CAR is associated with impaired memory, medicated patients showed a smaller CAR and unimpaired cognitive function compared with HC. Our findings are compatible with the idea that antidepressants reduce CAR and partially restore memory function even if depressive psychopathology is still present.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Hinkelmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Charité University Medical Center, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
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Wingenfeld K, Wolf OT. HPA axis alterations in mental disorders: impact on memory and its relevance for therapeutic interventions. CNS Neurosci Ther 2010; 17:714-22. [PMID: 21143429 DOI: 10.1111/j.1755-5949.2010.00207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunctions in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis have been reported for several mental disorders that are also often characterized by memory disturbances. It is now well established that glucocorticoids influence cognitive processes by enhancing memory consolidation and impairing memory retrieval. There is further evidence for an association between HPA axis related disturbances and memory function in mental disorders. The present selective review provides a brief overview of HPA axis dysfunction and its impact on memory function in major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and borderline personality disorder. Furthermore, the relevance of these findings for therapeutic intervention is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Wingenfeld
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf & Schön Klinik Hamburg-Eilbek, Germany
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Impact of the Hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal/gonadal Axes on Trajectory of Age-Related Cognitive Decline. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2010; 182:31-76. [DOI: 10.1016/s0079-6123(10)82002-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Gallagher P, Reid KS, Ferrier IN. Neuropsychological functioning in health and mood disorder: Modulation by glucocorticoids and their receptors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34 Suppl 1:S196-207. [PMID: 19541428 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.05.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2009] [Revised: 05/21/2009] [Accepted: 05/26/2009] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Numerous studies have shown that disturbances in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function and consequent hypercortisolaemia occur in a significant proportion of patients with mood disorders. This dysfunction has been proposed to be an exacerbating factor of depressive symptoms and may predict symptomatic relapse. Glucocorticoids are also known to have a specific role in learning and memory processes. In this review we present a brief overview of the relationship between HPA axis dysfunction and neuropsychological impairment in mood disorders and the specific links between glucocorticoids and cognition in health and illness states. Finally we examine the neuropsychological effects of drugs that specifically target glucocorticoid receptor function.
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Hinkelmann K, Moritz S, Botzenhardt J, Riedesel K, Wiedemann K, Kellner M, Otte C. Cognitive impairment in major depression: association with salivary cortisol. Biol Psychiatry 2009; 66:879-85. [PMID: 19709646 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2009.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2009] [Revised: 06/23/2009] [Accepted: 06/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive deficits and elevated cortisol are hallmarks of depression. Cortisol acts via mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors, which have their highest density in the hippocampus, a brain area closely related to cognitive function. Several studies have separately examined cortisol secretion and cognitive deficits in depression. However, only few studies have assessed their association in the same patients producing inconclusive results. METHODS We examined 52 medication-free patients with major depression (37 women, 15 men; mean age 35 +/- 11 years; Hamilton Depression Scale mean score 27 +/- 5) and 50 healthy control subjects, matched for age, gender, and years of education. We applied several neuropsychological tests. Salivary cortisol levels were measured on the same day at 08:00, 12:00, 16:00, and 22:00 hours. RESULTS Compared with healthy subjects, patients had significantly higher cortisol levels and were impaired in verbal memory, visuospatial memory, working memory, and selective attention. In depressed patients, but not in healthy control subjects, we found a negative correlation between salivary cortisol levels (area under the curve) and hippocampus-related neuropsychological domains (verbal memory, visuospatial memory) and executive function. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive deficits, especially those closely related to hippocampus function, appear to be related to cortisol secretion in depressed patients. Elevated cortisol may downregulate mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptors in the hippocampus, which could, in part, be responsible for cognitive deficits in depressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim Hinkelmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
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Abstract
Cognitive impairment is common in geriatric depression, and depressed individuals with co-morbid cognitive impairment are at increased risk for a number of adverse medical, psychiatric and cognitive outcomes. This review focuses on clinical issues surrounding the co-occurrence of these two conditions within the context of current research. We (1) review the clinical criteria and prevalence of depression, as well as co-morbid cognitive impairment, (2) discuss factors associated with persistent cognitive impairment in depression, including dementia, and (3) review research relevant to the assessment and treatment of cognitive impairment and dementia in the context of depression. We conclude that current research on depression and cognition can inform clinical decisions that reduce the occurrence of adverse outcomes. Clinicians are encouraged to develop proactive approaches for treatment, which may include combinations of pharmacological and psychotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- D C Steffens
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA.
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Leonard BE, Myint A. Inflammation and depression: is there a causal connection with dementia? Neurotox Res 2007; 10:149-60. [PMID: 17062376 DOI: 10.1007/bf03033243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies show that there is a correlation between chronic depression and the likelihood of dementia in later life. There is evidence that inflammatory changes in the brain are pathological features of both depression and dementia. This suggests that an increase in inflammation-induced apoptosis, together with a reduction in the synthesis of neurotrophic factors caused by a rise in brain glucocorticoids, may play a role in the pathology of these disorders. A reduction in the neuroprotective components of the kynurenine pathway, such as kynurenic acid, and an increase in the neurodegenerative components, 3- hydroxykynurenine and quinolinic acid, contribute to the pathological changes. Such changes are postulated to cause neuronal damage and thereby predispose chronically depressed patients to dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- B E Leonard
- Brain and Behaviour Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, University of Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Sobczak S, Honig A, Schmitt JAJ, Riedel WJ. Pronounced cognitive deficits following an intravenous L-tryptophan challenge in first-degree relatives of bipolar patients compared to healthy controls. Neuropsychopharmacology 2003; 28:711-9. [PMID: 12655316 DOI: 10.1038/sj.npp.1300055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment has repeatedly been described in bipolar disorders (BD). Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptophan; 5-HT) is possibly involved in these cognitive processes, more particularly in executive functions, learning, memory, and attention. The aim of this study was to investigate serotonergic vulnerability and its relation to cognitive functioning in healthy first-degree relatives of BD patients. We investigated the effects of an intravenous (i.v.) tryptophan (Trp) challenge and placebo on cognitive performance in 30 healthy first-degree relatives of bipolar patients (FH) and 15 matched controls in a double-blind crossover design. A distinction was made between relatives of type I BD patients (FH I) and type II BD patients (FH II). Performances on planning, memory, attention, and psychomotor tasks were assessed 3 h after Trp infusion. After Trp, planning and attention were impaired in FH subjects but not in controls. Independent of Trp, FH subjects showed cognitive deficits on memory, focused and divided attention, and psychomotor performance. FH I subjects showed more pronounced cognitive impairments then FH II and controls. In all groups, Trp impaired memory and psychomotor performance significantly. In conclusions, cognitive deficits in FH following Trp may reflect a central 5-HT vulnerability in frontal brain areas. Independent of Trp, cognitive deficits in FH provide evidence for a trait marker for BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sobczak
- Brain and Behavior Institute, Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, Universiteit Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Current awareness in geriatric psychiatry. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2001. [PMID: 11536352 DOI: 10.1002/gps.376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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