Key features of depression and its management in general practice.
 
 

"..I'd like to return to work.."

 
1. Depression in the elderly is associated with vascular lesion of the prefrontal areas of the brain.
2. Depression in the elderly is often associated with impairment of executive functions.
3. Functional disability is a predictor of depression in the elderly.
4. Late-onset depression is often associated with cognitive impairment.
5. Cognitive impairment that is reversed by antidepressant treatment is predictive of irreversible dementia.
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2. Depression in the elderly is often associated with impairment of executive functions.

Author's answer: True.

The clinical profile of depression in patients with vascular disease is often characterised by motor retardation, lack of insight, and impairment of executive functions. This clinical appearance suggests that dysfunction of frontal brain systems is a possible contributing factor in depression in late life.