Ascending digits task as a measure of executive function in geriatric depression

J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2006 Winter;18(1):117-20. doi: 10.1176/jnp.18.1.117.

Abstract

The authors hypothesized that older depressed patients would perform more poorly on the Ascending Digits Task (ADT) when matched against a nondepressed elderly comparison group. In a novel measure, the ADT, 129 older depressives scored more poorly than 129 comparison subjects in bivariate analyses and models controlling for demographic variables. The ADT may be a good measure of executive function in older adults.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living / classification
  • Age Factors
  • Aged
  • Alzheimer Disease / diagnosis*
  • Alzheimer Disease / psychology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Comorbidity
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / psychology
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Status Schedule / statistics & numerical data
  • Neuropsychological Tests / statistics & numerical data*
  • Problem Solving*
  • Serial Learning*
  • Sex Factors
  • Socioeconomic Factors