Anthony Feinstein1. 1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON, Canada M4N 3M5. antfeinstein@aol.com
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Depression and cognitive dysfunction are common in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, it is unclear whether depression may cause or exacerbate cognitive problems as data remain equivocal. The current review attempts to clarify the relationship between these behavioral disorders. METHOD: The literature pertaining to the influence of depression on cognition in MS patients has been reviewed. RESULTS: Early studies consistently failed to find an association and concluded that cognitive dysfunction in MS patients occurred independently of depression. A more recent literature has found fault with this, citing numerous methodological flaws in the studies undertaken. Newer data now suggests that core symptoms of depression reduce cognitive capacity, in particular exerting an adverse effect on the executive function component of working memory. CONCLUSIONS: Depression may exacerbate cognitive dysfunction in MS patients. Whether treating depression will lead to cognitive improvement is not yet known, but warrants further exploration.
BACKGROUND:Depression and cognitive dysfunction are common in patients with multiple sclerosis. However, it is unclear whether depression may cause or exacerbate cognitive problems as data remain equivocal. The current review attempts to clarify the relationship between these behavioral disorders. METHOD: The literature pertaining to the influence of depression on cognition in MSpatients has been reviewed. RESULTS: Early studies consistently failed to find an association and concluded that cognitive dysfunction in MSpatients occurred independently of depression. A more recent literature has found fault with this, citing numerous methodological flaws in the studies undertaken. Newer data now suggests that core symptoms of depression reduce cognitive capacity, in particular exerting an adverse effect on the executive function component of working memory. CONCLUSIONS:Depression may exacerbate cognitive dysfunction in MSpatients. Whether treating depression will lead to cognitive improvement is not yet known, but warrants further exploration.
Authors: Stefan M Gold; Kyle C Kern; Mary-Frances O'Connor; Michael J Montag; Aileen Kim; Ye S Yoo; Barbara S Giesser; Nancy L Sicotte Journal: Biol Psychiatry Date: 2010-06-19 Impact factor: 13.382
Authors: Ashley K Miller; Michael R Basso; Philip J Candilis; Dennis R Combs; Steven Paul Woods Journal: J Clin Exp Neuropsychol Date: 2014-10-23 Impact factor: 2.475