MMSE changes during and after ECT in late-life depression: a prospective study

Late-life depression (LLD) is associated with an increased risk for developing physical morbidity and disability.1,2 The burden of depression on older patients, their caregivers, health services and society is high.3,4 Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is an effective and well-established treatment for LLD. An older age predicts a better outcome and remission rates go up to 90 % in patients over 65 years of age.5,6 However, there is ongoing concern about the possible impact on cognition, especially in the presence of pre-existing cognitive impairment and increasing age, implying that older patients might be more vulnerable than younger patients.

Source: The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry - April 22, 2019 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Jasmien Obbels, Kristof Vansteelandt, Esm ée Verwijk, Annemieke Dols, Filip Bouckaert, Mardien L Oudega, Mathieu Vandenbulcke, Max Stek, Pascal Sienaert Tags: Regular Research Article Source Type: research