Weill Cornell Medicine
Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center
Weill Cornell Medicine
Citigroup Biomedical Imaging Center

Anterior cingulate dysfunction in geriatric depression.

Publication Type Review
Authors Alexopoulos G, Gunning-Dixon F, Latoussakis V, Kanellopoulos D, Murphy C
Journal Int J Geriatr Psychiatry
Volume 23
Issue 4
Pagination 347-55
Date Published 04/01/2008
ISSN 0885-6230
Keywords Depressive Disorder, Gyrus Cinguli
Abstract BACKGROUND: Although several brain abnormalities have been identified in geriatric depression, their relationship to the pathophysiological mechanisms leading to the development and perpetuation of this syndrome remain unclear. METHODS: This paper reviews findings on the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) function and on the relationship of ACC abnormalities to the clinical presentation and the course of geriatric depression in order to elucidate the pathophysiological role of ACC in this disorder. RESULTS: The ACC is responsible for conflict detection and emotional evaluation of error and is connected to brain structures that regulate mood, emotional valence of thought and autonomic and visceral responses, which are functions disturbed in depression. Geriatric depression often is accompanied by abnormalities in some executive functions and has a clinical presentation consistent with ACC abnormalities. Indices of ACC dysfunction are associated with adverse outcomes of geriatric depression. CONCLUSIONS: Converging findings suggest that at least some ACC functions are abnormal in depression and these abnormalities are pathophysiologically meaningful. Indices of ACC dysfunction may be used to identify subgroups of depressed elderly patients with distinct illness course and treatment needs and serve as the theoretical background for novel treatment development.
DOI 10.1002/gps.1939
PubMed ID 17979214
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