Cover Image
QR Code

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

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...

Full description

Published in:International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry Vol. 23; no. 8; pp. 789 - 796
Main Authors: Tielkes CEM, Comijs HC, Verwijk E, Stek ML
Format: research systematic review tables/charts Journal Article
Published: Wiley-Blackwell Aug2008
Online Access:View this record in EBSCOhost
fields @attributes:
  recordID: 1
pdfLink:
plink: https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=ccm&AN=105548257&site=ehost-live
header:
  @attributes:
    shortDbName: ccm
    uiTerm: 105548257
    longDbName: CINAHL Complete
    uiTag: AN
  controlInfo:
    bkinfo:
    dissinfo:
    jinfo:
      jid:
        08856230
        BWG
      jtl: International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
      issn: 08856230
      maglogo: Y
    pubinfo:
      dt: Aug2008
      vid: 23
      iid: 8
      pid: 480
      pub: Wiley-Blackwell
      place: Malden, Massachusetts
    artinfo:
      ui:
        105548257
        105548257
        2009991478
        10.1002/gps.1989
        NLM18311845
        105548257
      ppf: 789
      ppct: 7
      formats:
      tig:
        atl: The effects of ECT on cognitive functioning in the elderly: a review.
      aug:
        au:
          Tielkes CEM
          Comijs HC
          Verwijk E
          Stek ML
        affil: Department of Psychiatry, VU University Medical Center, Stichting Buitenamstel Geestgronden, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
      sug:
        subj:
          Cognition Disorders Etiology
          Electroconvulsive Therapy Adverse Effects
          Memory Disorders Etiology
          Adult
          Aged
          Aged, 80 and Over
          Depression Therapy
          Geriatric Psychiatry
          Medline
          Memory
          Middle Age
          PubMed
          Human
          Adult: 19-44 years
          Aged: 65+ years
          Aged, 80 & over
          Middle Aged: 45-64 years
      ab: 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 (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
      pubtype: Academic Journal
      doctype:
        research
        systematic review
        tables/charts
        Journal Article
      ougenre: Article
    language: English
    refInfo:
    holdings:
      @attributes:
        islocal: N