𝔖 Bobbio Scriptorium
✦   LIBER   ✦

The effects of ECT on cognitive functioning in the elderly: a review

✍ Scribed by Caroline E. M. Tielkes; Hannie C. Comijs; Esmée Verwijk; Max L. Stek

Publisher
John Wiley and Sons
Year
2008
Tongue
English
Weight
74 KB
Volume
23
Category
Article
ISSN
0885-6230

No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.

✦ Synopsis

Abstract

Background

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a single course or in maintenance form (M‐ECT) is an effective treatment in depressed elderly. However, ECT may have adverse effects on cognition.

Objective

To review all studies from 1980–2006 on ECT and cognition in the elderly with a minimum age of 55 years or a mean age of 55 years, and with valid measurements of cognition before and after ECT.

Results

Nine out of the 15 eligible studies were focused exclusively on the elderly. Three studies reported verbal learning‐ and recall problems post ECT, while three studies found positive effects of ECT on memory, speed of processing and concentration. Global cognitive functioning in patients with cognitive impairment improved in all studies. At follow up, most studies reported improvement of cognitive functions. Learning verbal information and executive functioning were impaired in M‐ECT patients whereas global cognition remained stable after M‐ECT over a year.

Conclusions

To date research of ECT on cognitive functioning in the elderly is very limited. Small sample size, lack of controls, use of a single screening instrument and a short follow up period may explain the conflicting results. Given the clinical importance, more extensive research on cognition in elderly treated with ECT is urgently needed. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

📜 SIMILAR VOLUMES

Cognitive effects of ect in the elderly:
Cognitive effects of ect in the elderly: Preliminary findings
✍ Mark J. Russ; Sigurd H. Ackerman; Leslie Burton; Richard D. Shindledecker; Elkho 📂 Article 📅 1990 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 337 KB 👁 1 views

Clinical recovery, cognitive function, and ward behavior indicative of organic brain syndrome were assessed in 12 elderly, depressed patients before, and approximately one week after, treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). There was a statistically significant improvement in depression, and

Effects of discontinuing benzodiazepine-
Effects of discontinuing benzodiazepine-derivative hypnotics on postural sway and cognitive functions in the elderly
✍ Kenichi Tsunoda; Hiroyuki Uchida; Takefumi Suzuki; Koichiro Watanabe; Tetsumori 📂 Article 📅 2010 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 144 KB 👁 1 views

## Abstract ## Objective Benzodiazepines (BZDs) have been reported to cause negative impacts on body stability and cognitive functions, which in turn could result in lethal incidents, including falls, especially in the elderly. This fact notwithstanding, no systematic trial has evaluated the feasi

A systematic review of cognitive decline
A systematic review of cognitive decline in the general elderly population
✍ Helen L. Park; Janice E. O'Connell; Richard G. Thomson 📂 Article 📅 2003 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 156 KB 👁 1 views

## Abstract ## Background The public health impact of cognitive decline and dementia is increasing as the population ages. Studies exploring therapies or risk factors for cognitive impairment require understanding of expected age‐related decline. ## Objective To establish the rate of age‐related

THE EFFECT OF RETIREMENT ON COGNITIVE FU
THE EFFECT OF RETIREMENT ON COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING
✍ Norma B. Coe; Hans-Martin von Gaudecker; Maarten Lindeboom; Jürgen Maurer 📂 Article 📅 2011 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 346 KB 👁 2 views

## SUMMARY Cognitive impairment has emerged as a major driver of disability in old age, with profound effects on individual well‐being and decision making at older ages. In the light of policies aimed at postponing retirement ages, an important question is whether continued labour supply helps to m

A double blind comparison of the effects
A double blind comparison of the effects of fluoxetine and amitriptyline on cognitive function in elderly depressed patients
✍ D. B. Fairweather; J. S. Kerr; D. A. Harrison; C. A. Moon; I. Hindmarch 📂 Article 📅 1993 🏛 John Wiley and Sons 🌐 English ⚖ 444 KB 👁 1 views

Sixty-six elderly depressed patients received fluoxetine 20 mg (FLU) or amitriptyline 75 mg (AMI) for 42 days in a double blind parallel group study. Each week, subjects completed a test battery which is sensitive to the residual effects of psychoactive drugs. The results show that FLU and AM1 were