Executive Dysfunction Predicts Treatment Response to Neuroplasticity-Based Computerized Cognitive Remediation (nCCR-GD) in Elderly Patients with Major Depression

Objectives: Executive dysfunction (ED) is a predictor of poor treatment response of late-life depression to pharmacotherapy. In response to the consistency of these findings, we designed neuroplasticity-based computerized cognitive remediation (nCCR-GD) intervention to target and improve ED in patients who failed to remit with antidepressant treatment. This study tests the hypothesis that ED at baseline will predict favorable treatment response to nCCR-GD. Methods: 11 elderly patients with treatment-resistant major depression were treated with a 30-hour, 4-week, unblinded, nCCR-GD treatment trial. Neuropsychological performance was assessed at baseline and after treatment ceased. Results: ED at baseline was associated with greater reduction in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score over the 4-week treatment beta = -0.74, F(2,8) = 10.85, p = 0.009, R-2 = 0.55. Conclusions: ED predicts favorable treatment response to nCCR-GD in older adults suffering from major depression resistant to antidepressants. This finding is opposed to studies testing pharmacotherapy where ED predicts poorer treatment response.