Trends of executive dysfunctioning among depressive and non-Depressive older adults

Abstract

Objective: To explore trends of executive dysfunctioning (attention shifting, task inhibition & working memory) among depressive and non-depressive older adults. Methodology: This cross sectional study was carried out in National Institute of Psychology, Quai-i-Azam University, Islamabad from December 2016 to March 2017. Data were taken from 300 community dwelling older adults, through convenient and purposive sampling technique. Results: Mean age of participants was 64.262.34 years. There was significant mean difference across the categories of older adults with severe depression (n=66), moderate depression (n=60), mild depression (n=54) and no depression (n=110) on separate score of executive dysfunctioning sub categories i.e, attention shifting, task inhibition and working memory along with composite score of executive dysfunctioning too (p< 0.05). Conclusion: Severity of depression defines possible severity of impairment in overall executive functioning. Depression in old age is merely not the symptom of executive dysfunctioning but cause progression from minor to major complications in attention shifting, task inhibition and working memory with worsening of depression at each level, if left untreated. Therefore, it is important that in order to provide them mental and physical ailment free life with sound mind and body, their cognitive impairment associated with depression should be addressed.