Episodic memory in depression: The unique contribution of the anterior caudate and hippocampus

H K Jayaweera; I B Hickie; S L Duffy; L Mowszowski; L Norrie; Jim Lagopoulos; S L Naismith

doi:10.1017/S0033291716000787

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Episodic memory in depression: The unique contribution of the anterior caudate and hippocampus

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Episodic memory in depression: The unique contribution of the anterior caudate and hippocampus

H K Jayaweera, I B Hickie, S L Duffy, L Mowszowski, L Norrie, Jim Lagopoulos and S L Naismith

Psychological Medicine, Vol.46(10), pp.2189-2199

2016

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/S0033291716000787

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Abstract

caudate nucleus

depression

hippocampus

memory impairment

Background Learning and memory impairments in older adults with depression are linked to hippocampal atrophy. However, other subcortical regions may also be contributing to these deficits. We aimed to examine whether anterior caudate nucleus volume is significantly reduced in older adults with depression compared to controls; whether anterior caudate volume is associated with performance on tasks of episodic learning and memory, and if so, whether this association is independent of the effects of the hippocampus. Method Eighty-four health-seeking participants meeting criteria for lifetime major depressive disorder (mean age = 64.2, s.d. = 9.1 years) and 27 never-depressed control participants (mean age = 63.9, s.d. = 8.0 years) underwent neuropsychological assessment including verbal episodic memory tests [Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test and Logical Memory (WMS-III)]. Magnetic resonance imaging was conducted, from which subregions of the caudate nucleus were manually demarcated bilaterally and hippocampal volume was calculated using semi-automated methods. Results Depressed subjects had smaller right anterior caudate (RAC) (t = 2.3, p = 0.026) and poorer memory compared to controls (t = 2.5, p < 0.001). For depressed subjects only, smaller RAC was associated with poorer verbal memory (r = 0.3, p = 0.003) and older age (r = -0.46, p < 0.001). Multivariable regression showed that the RAC and hippocampus volume uniquely accounted for 5% and 3% of the variance in memory, respectively (β = 0.25, t = 2.16, p = 0.033; β = 0.19, t = 1.71, p = 0.091). Conclusions In older people with depression, the anterior caudate nucleus and the hippocampus play independent roles in mediating memory. While future studies examining this structure should include larger sample sizes and adjust for multiple comparisons, these findings support the critical role of the striatum in depression. © Copyright Cambridge University Press 2016.

Details

Title: Episodic memory in depression: The unique contribution of the anterior caudate and hippocampus
Authors: H K Jayaweera (Author) - University of Sydney
I B Hickie (Author) - University of Sydney
S L Duffy (Author) - University of Sydney
L Mowszowski (Author) - University of Sydney
L Norrie (Author) - University of Sydney
Jim Lagopoulos (Author) - University of Sydney
S L Naismith (Author) - University of Sydney
Publication details: Psychological Medicine, Vol.46(10), pp.2189-2199
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Date published: 2016
DOI: 10.1017/S0033291716000787
ISSN: 0033-2917
Organisation Unit: University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; Thompson Institute
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99450409102621
Output Type: Journal article

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