Enhancing Memory in Late-Life Depression: The Effects of a Combined Psychoeducation and Cognitive Training Program

• Published in: The American journal of geriatric psychiatry Vol. 19; no. 3; pp. 240 - 248
• Main Authors: Naismith, Sharon L., B.A. (Hons), D.Psych. (Neuro), MPPS, CCN, Diamond, Keri, B.Psych. (Hons), D.Psych. (Neuro), Carter, Phoebe E., B.A., Grad. Dip. Sci. (Psych), Norrie, Louisa M., M.B.B.S., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P, Redoblado-Hodge, Marie Antoinette, B.A. (Hons), D.Psych. (Neuro), Lewis, Simon J.G., M.B.B.Ch., B.Sc., M.R.C.Psych., M.D, Hickie, Ian B., M.D., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., AM., F.A.S.S.A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Inc 01.03.2011; Elsevier Limited
• Subjects: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cognition Disorders - prevention & control; Cognitive Therapy - methods; cognitive training; Depression; Depressive Disorder, Major - complications; Depressive Disorder, Major - psychology; Depressive Disorder, Major - therapy; Female; Humans; Internal Medicine; Male; Memory Disorders - prevention & control; Middle Aged; neuroplasticity; Neuropsychological Tests; Patient Education as Topic - methods; Psychotherapy, Group - methods; Single-Blind Method; Waiting Lists; Depression; cognitive training; neuroplasticity
• ISSN: 1064-7481; 1545-7214
• DOI: 10.1097/JGP.0b013e3181dba587

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of a multifactorial cognitive training (CT) program for older people with a lifetime history of depressive disorder. Methods This was a single-blinded waitlist control design. The study was conducted in the Healthy Brain Ageing Clinic, a specialist outpatient clinic at the Brain & Mind Research Institute, Sydney, Australia. Forty-one participants (mean age = 64.8 years, sd = 8.5) with a lifetime history of major depression were included. They were stabilized on medication and had depressive symptoms in the normal to mild range. The intervention encompassed both psychoeducation and CT. Each component was 1-hour in duration and was delivered in a group format over a 10-week period. Psychoeducation was multifactorial, was delivered by health professionals and targeted cognitive strategies, as well depression, anxiety, sleep, vascular risk factors, diet and exercise. CT was computer-based and was conducted by Clinical Neuropsychologists. Baseline and follow-up neuropsychological assessments were conducted by Psychologists who were blinded to group allocation. The primary outcome was memory whilst secondary outcomes included other aspects of cognition and disability. Results CT was associated with significant improvements in visual and verbal memory corresponding to medium to large effect sizes. Conclusion CT may be a viable secondary prevention technique for late-life depression, a group who are at risk of further cognitive decline and progression to dementia. (Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2011; 19:240–248)