Perspectives on the Management of Vascular Depression

In the next few years, the youngest of the baby boomers will reach age 65, resulting in the greatest proportion of elderly adults in US history. Concurrent with this demographic change is the growing number of adults living with chronic conditions that increase risk of vascular disease, including hypertension, obesity, hypercholesterolemia, insulin resistance and diabetes mellitus. We address how these conditions contribute to age-related cerebrovascular changes and lead to subsequent effects on mood and cognitive function, with an emphasis on the role of “vascular depression” as a focus of treatment. The case of an elderly gentleman with vascular disease associated with psychiatric symptoms and cognitive changes is presented. We discuss vascular depression in the context of suicide in late life and provide perspectives on treatment that focus not merely on pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic management of depressive symptoms but also emphasize the importance of sleep and health maintenance strategies. Guidelines are offered to help reduce the burden of disability associated with this condition among our older population.