OBJECTIVE: This article describes a novel treatment model designed to target specific neurocognitive deficits in geriatric depression with neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation (NBCCR). METHOD: The recent National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) report "From Discovery to Cure" calls for studies focusing on mechanisms of treatment response with the goal of arriving at new interventions for those who do not respond to existing treatments. We describe the process that led to the identification of specific executive deficits and their underlying neurobiology, as well as the rationale for targeting these symptoms as a part of a strategy intended to improve both executive dysfunction and depression. We then propose a strategy for further research in this emerging area. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant developments, conventional antidepressant treatments leave many older adults still depressed and suffering. Psychotherapy may be effective in some depressed elders, although a recent review concluded that none of the available treatment studies meets stringent criteria for efficacy in the acute treatment of geriatric depression. Appropriately developed and targeted NBCCR, has the potential to serve as a novel treatment intervention for geriatric depression. Pathophysiological changes associated with executive dysfunction may be an appropriate target for NBCCR. Examining both behavioral changes and indices of structural integrity and functional change of networks related to cognitive and emotional regulation may lead to a novel treatment and elucidate the role of specific cerebral networks in geriatric depression.
OBJECTIVE: This article describes a novel treatment model designed to target specific neurocognitive deficits in geriatric depression with neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation (NBCCR). METHOD: The recent National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) report "From Discovery to Cure" calls for studies focusing on mechanisms of treatment response with the goal of arriving at new interventions for those who do not respond to existing treatments. We describe the process that led to the identification of specific executive deficits and their underlying neurobiology, as well as the rationale for targeting these symptoms as a part of a strategy intended to improve both executive dysfunction and depression. We then propose a strategy for further research in this emerging area. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant developments, conventional antidepressant treatments leave many older adults still depressed and suffering. Psychotherapy may be effective in some depressed elders, although a recent review concluded that none of the available treatment studies meets stringent criteria for efficacy in the acute treatment of geriatric depression. Appropriately developed and targeted NBCCR, has the potential to serve as a novel treatment intervention for geriatric depression. Pathophysiological changes associated with executive dysfunction may be an appropriate target for NBCCR. Examining both behavioral changes and indices of structural integrity and functional change of networks related to cognitive and emotional regulation may lead to a novel treatment and elucidate the role of specific cerebral networks in geriatric depression.
Authors: George S Alexopoulos; Charles E Glatt; Matthew J Hoptman; Dora Kanellopoulos; Christopher F Murphy; Robert E Kelly; Sarah S Morimoto; Kelvin O Lim; Faith M Gunning Journal: J Affect Disord Date: 2010-03-25 Impact factor: 4.839
Authors: Christina E Wierenga; Michelle Benjamin; Kaundinya Gopinath; William M Perlstein; Christiana M Leonard; Leslie J Gonzalez Rothi; Tim Conway; M Allison Cato; Richard Briggs; Bruce Crosson Journal: Neurobiol Aging Date: 2006-12-04 Impact factor: 4.673
Authors: Sarah Shizuko Morimoto; Faith M Gunning; Dora Kanellopoulos; Christopher F Murphy; Sibel A Klimstra; Robert E Kelly; George S Alexopoulos Journal: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2011-05-25 Impact factor: 3.485
Authors: Sarah Shizuko Morimoto; Faith M Gunning; Christopher F Murphy; Dora Kanellopoulos; Robert E Kelly; George S Alexopoulos Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2011-02 Impact factor: 4.105
Authors: Katie L Bessette; Aimee J Karstens; Natania A Crane; Amy T Peters; Jonathan P Stange; Kathleen H Elverman; Sarah Shizuko Morimoto; Sara L Weisenbach; Scott A Langenecker Journal: Neuropsychol Rev Date: 2020-01-15 Impact factor: 7.444
Authors: Marsal Sanches; Isabelle E Bauer; Juan F Galvez; Giovana B Zunta-Soares; Jair C Soares Journal: Am J Ther Date: 2015 Nov-Dec Impact factor: 2.688
Authors: James G Krings; Andre Wineland; Dorina Kallogjeri; Thomas L Rodebaugh; Joyce Nicklaus; Eric J Lenze; Jay F Piccirillo Journal: JAMA Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg Date: 2015-01 Impact factor: 6.223
Authors: Dora Kanellopoulos; Victoria Wilkins; Jimmy Avari; Lauren Oberlin; Lindsay Arader; Merete Chaplin; Samprit Banerjee; George S Alexopoulos Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2020-01-25 Impact factor: 4.105