EFFECTS OF ANTIDEPRESSANTS ON COGNITIVE-FUNCTIONING OF ELDERLY PATIENTS - A REVIEW

The influence of antidepressants on cognitive performance in elderly p atients has been investigated in 18 studies. More than 70 different ps ychological tests or batteries of tests could be identified in these s tudies. The tentative conclusions that can be drawn are as follows. Mo noamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors hardly influence cognitive performanc e. Amitriptyline, dothiepin, mianserin and trazodone impair attention and ability to concentrate. Drugs with anticholinergic properties, suc h as nortriptyline, maprotiline and amitriptyline, might impair aspect s of memory. For nortriptyline, higher plasma concentrations correlate with greater cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment induced by no rtriptyline during treatment might not be a transient effect, but may last as long as treatment continues. Data regarding the effects of sel ective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) reuptake inhibitors on cognitiv e performance in the elderly indicate no detrimental effect. A consens us on the use of instruments evaluating cognitive performance is neede d to allow better comparison of future studies. As these conclusions c an only be provisional, more study is needed.