OBJECTIVE: Many studies have examined the effects of cerebrovascular changes on treatment response in geriatric depression. However, few such studies have examined the relationship between cerebrovascular changes and long-term prognosis. We examined the effects of cerebrovascular changes on the course of geriatric depressive symptoms, dementia rates, and mortality over a follow-up period of approximately 10 years. METHOD: Participants were 84 patients with major depression (age of onset over 50 years); patients suffering from strokes, neurological disorders, and other psychiatric disorders were excluded. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were used to classify all patients into silent cerebral infarction (SCI)-positive (n = 37) or SCI-negative groups (n = 47). Prognoses were ascertained using a review of clinical charts and mailed questionnaires. RESULTS: Only 5% of patients with SCI were able to maintain remission whereas 36% of patients without SCI were able to do so. Total duration of depressive episodes was significantly longer in the SCI-positive group than in the SCI-negative group. SCI was also associated with a higher risk of dementia. CONCLUSION: The results of this long-term follow-up study demonstrate that the presence of SCI is associated with a relatively poor prognosis in geriatric depression. (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.
OBJECTIVE: Many studies have examined the effects of cerebrovascular changes on treatment response in geriatric depression. However, few such studies have examined the relationship between cerebrovascular changes and long-term prognosis. We examined the effects of cerebrovascular changes on the course of geriatric depressive symptoms, dementia rates, and mortality over a follow-up period of approximately 10 years. METHOD:Participants were 84 patients with major depression (age of onset over 50 years); patients suffering from strokes, neurological disorders, and other psychiatric disorders were excluded. Magnetic resonance imaging findings were used to classify all patients into silent cerebral infarction (SCI)-positive (n = 37) or SCI-negative groups (n = 47). Prognoses were ascertained using a review of clinical charts and mailed questionnaires. RESULTS: Only 5% of patients with SCI were able to maintain remission whereas 36% of patients without SCI were able to do so. Total duration of depressive episodes was significantly longer in the SCI-positive group than in the SCI-negative group. SCI was also associated with a higher risk of dementia. CONCLUSION: The results of this long-term follow-up study demonstrate that the presence of SCI is associated with a relatively poor prognosis in geriatric depression. (c) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel.
Authors: Mariëlla E C Hassell; Robin Nijveldt; Yvo B W Roos; Charles B L Majoie; Martial Hamon; Jan J Piek; Ronak Delewi Journal: Nat Rev Cardiol Date: 2013-10-29 Impact factor: 32.419
Authors: Rita Moretti; Elena Bernobich; Francesca Esposito; Paola Torre; Rodolfo M Antonello; Luisa De Angelis; Giuseppe Bellini Journal: Vasc Health Risk Manag Date: 2011-07-12