What type of study is this?

This is a Cross-Sectional Study study.

What question did this study set out to answer?

Evaluate and compare neurocognitive functions in late-onset depression versus healthy controls.

May 7, 2026Journal of Geriatric Mental Health0 citationsOpen Access

Comprehensive neurocognitive assessment in late-onset depression: A hospital-based cross-sectional comparative study

SSakshiSarojini Naidu Medical College ASAshok SeerviSarojini Naidu Medical College SDSrishti DethaSarojini Naidu Medical College

Key Points

Evaluate and compare neurocognitive functions in late-onset depression versus healthy controls.
Cross-sectional comparative study design
Included 50 late-onset depression patients and 50 age-matched healthy controls
Used assessments: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hindi Mental Status Examination, and neuropsychological tests
Statistical analyses employed included t-tests, correlations, and analysis of variance
Late-onset depression patients had significant deficits in cognitive domains compared to controls
Executive function and processing speed were most impaired in late-onset depression patients
Working memory, attention, and visuospatial skills were also significantly reduced
Cognitive performance did not significantly differ across depression severity categories
Clinical variables showed weak correlations with neurocognitive measures

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background: Late-onset depression, defined as the first major depressive episode at ≥60 years, is linked with distinct neurocognitive impairments. Despite strong international evidence, comprehensive control-matched comparative studies in the Indian population are scarce. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate and compare neurocognitive functions in patients with late-onset depression and healthy controls across multiple domains. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 50 late-onset depression patients and 50 age-matched healthy controls from a tertiary hospital in Rajasthan. Participants underwent assessments using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, Hindi Mental Status Examination, and a neuropsychological test that evaluated attention, working memory, processing speed, executive function, verbal learning and memory, and visuospatial skills. Statistical analyses included t -tests, correlations, andanalysis of variance. Results: Groups were demographically matched (mean age: 66.2 ± 5.06 vs. 66.5 ± 5.39 years). Late-onset depression patients showed significant deficits across all cognitive domains. Executive function (Trail Making Test B: 102.5 ± 4.0 vs. 74.5 ± 4.7 s, P < 0.001) and processing speed (Trail Making Test A: 47.3 ± 6.0 vs. 32.6 ± 3.7 s, P < 0.001) were most impaired. Working memory, attention, memory, and visuospatial skills were also significantly reduced (all P < 0.05). Cognitive performance did not differ significantly across depression severity categories, and clinical variables showed weak correlations with neurocognitive measures. Conclusions: Late-onset depression is associated with widespread neurocognitive impairment, particularly in executive function and processing speed, independent of symptom severity. These findings support the vascular depression hypothesis and highlight the need for comprehensive neuropsychological evaluation and integrated treatment approaches in elderly first-episode depression.

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