Key result
Older patients with major depressive disorder tended to show higher motor cortex activation during standing balance compared to healthy controls, particularly during dual tasks.
Why the study?
Major depressive disorder in old age can cause changes in the cerebral cortex that might lead to postural imbalance and increase fall risk.
Does major depressive disorder in old age affect cortical activation during standing balance and dual tasks compared to healthy controls?
Population
Eleven older patients (age ≥65 years) with major depressive disorder and sixteen age-matched healthy controls
Comparison
Depressed older patients vs healthy controls under single vs dual task
Authors
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May indicate compensatory mechanisms in late-life depression; hypothesis-generating and requires prospective validation before clinical relevance.
Case-Control (n=27)
Does major depressive disorder in old age affect cortical activation during standing balance and dual tasks compared to healthy controls?
Older patients with depression may require increased cortical activation to perform motor and cognitive tasks compared to healthy controls, suggesting a compensatory mechanism.
Thönnessen et al. (2024) conducted a case-control in Major depressive disorder in old age (n=27). Major depressive disorder vs. Healthy controls was evaluated on Cortical activation of the prefrontal (PFC) and motor (MC) cortex during standing balance with eyes closed under single and dual task. Older patients with major depressive disorder tended to show higher motor cortex activation during standing balance compared to healthy controls, particularly during dual tasks.
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