A study of prospective memory in patients with late-onset depression

Abstract

Objective To investigate the event-based prospective memory(EBPM)and time-based prospective memory(TBPM)in late-onset depressive patients and to explore the relationships between prospective memory and depressive symptoms. Methods 32 late-onset depressive patients and 30 normal controls matched in age, gender and education were assessed with a neuropsychological battery of tests including EBPM and TBPM tasks. The patients were also assessed with Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD). Results A statistically significant in EBPM was observed between patients with late-onset depression and normal controls (2.31±1.06 vs 3.07±0.87, t=-3.052, P<0.0l) and the same result in TBPM (2.03±0.93 vs 2.67±0.92, t=-2.695, P<0.01). The negatively correlate was showed between the total scores of HAMD and EBPM (r=-0.436, P=0.013), TBPM (r=-0.467, P=0.007) in the patients. Conclusion The results suggest late-onset depressive patients impair both EBPM and TBPM.Prospective memory shows correlation with depressive symptoms in the patients. Key words: Depressive disorder; Prospective memory; Late onset