Cognitive Performance in Suicidal Depressed Elderly: Preliminary Report

This case-control study examined cognitive function in general & executive functioning specifically in depressed elderly with & without suicide ideation & attempts. 32 suicidal depressed participants age 60 & older were compared with 32 non-suicidal depressed participants. The 2 groups were comparable in terms of severity of depression & burden of physical illness. Suicidal participants performed worse on the Executive Interview (EXIT25), & on the total Dementia Rating Scale as well as on the memory & attention subscales. The differences were not explained by the presence of dementia, substance use, medication exposure, or brain injury from suicide attempts. (45 refs.) JA