Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Nebes, R. D. Articles by Reynolds, C. F. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Nebes, R. D. Articles by Reynolds, C. F., III Neurophysiology Depression Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms/Dimensions MRI

Relationship of Deep White Matter Hyperintensities and Apolipoprotein E Genotype to Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults Without Clinical Depression

OBJECTIVE: This study examined whether evidence of cerebrovascular disease in the form of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal hyperintensities in white matter was associated with depressive symptoms in a high-functioning group of normal elderly volunteers. METHOD: Ninety-two community-dwelling elderly individuals participating in a study of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) in normal aging whose apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype had been determined completed the Geriatric Depression Scale and received an MRI scan. Univariate analyses of variance were used to examine the relationship between depressive symptoms and the location of WMHs (in deep white matter versus in periventricular white matter) and to determine whether WMHs were more likely to be associated with symptoms of impaired motivation and concentration or with mood symptoms. The effect on depressive symptoms of the interaction between severity of cerebrovascular disease as evidenced by WMHs and APOE genotype was also examined. RESULTS: Hyperintensities in the deep white matter, but not in the periventricular white matter, were associated with depressive symptoms, especially symptoms of impaired motivation, concentration, and decision making. The relationship between deep WMHs and depressive symptoms was especially strong in individuals carrying the APOE-4 allele. CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of depressive symptoms associated with WMHs in this study was similar to the pattern described in the literature as characterizing "vascular" depression in older persons with major depression. The results suggest that cerebrovascular disease may also underlie the depressive symptoms often found in older individuals who are not clinically depressed.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. Paternoster, W. Chen, and C. L.M. Sudlow Genetic Determinants of White Matter Hyperintensities on Brain Scans: A Systematic Assessment of 19 Candidate Gene Polymorphisms in 46 Studies in 19 000 Subjects * Supplemental References Stroke, June 1, 2009; 40(6): 2020 - 2026. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				R. D. Nebes, D. J. Buysse, E. M. Halligan, P. R. Houck, and T. H. Monk Self-Reported Sleep Quality Predicts Poor Cognitive Performance in Healthy Older Adults J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci, March 1, 2009; 64B(2): 180 - 187. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				D. G. Blazer Depression in Late Life: Review and Commentary Focus, January 1, 2009; 7(1): 118 - 136. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				M. A. Raji, C. A. Reyes-Ortiz, Y.-F. Kuo, K. S. Markides, and K. J. Ottenbacher Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Change in Older Mexican Americans J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, September 1, 2007; 20(3): 145 - 152. [Abstract] [PDF]

				F.-E. de Leeuw, F. Richard, J. C. de Groot, C. M. van Duijn, A. Hofman, J. van Gijn, and M. M.B. Breteler Interaction Between Hypertension, apoE, and Cerebral White Matter Lesions Stroke, May 1, 2004; 35(5): 1057 - 1060. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2001 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us