Neurobiological and Cognitive Correlates of an Anhedonic subtype of Depression
in Older Adults 
   Lead Investigator:    Sharee Light
   Institution      :    Georgia State University
   E-Mail           :    slight@gsu.edu
   Proposal ID      :    1271



   Proposal Description:
   Depression has been characterized as depression without sadness in older adults due to depressed older adults experiencing more irritability or withdrawal than dysphoric mood (Gallo, Rabins, Lyketsos, Tien, Anthony, 1997). Relative to younger adults, older adult?s non-dysphoric depression can result in significant distress, functional disability and mortality (Saracinoa et al. 2016). Beyond its impact on quality of life, depression has consistently been shown to be a significant predictor of poor health outcomes in older persons, increasing the risk for disabilities that compromise the ability to      live independently, including cognitive functioning. Research also supports the heterogeneity of depression symptoms that is not accurately captured by current questionnaire-based methods based on DSM-5 criteria. Specific syndromes/profiles have been found that describe older adults who exhibit a       marked reduction in their interest in pleasurable activities, increased suspiciousness, worsening psychomotor retardation, and impaired insight, but report few feelings of guilt or worthlessness (Alexopoulos et al. 2002). Furthermore, older persons with significant depression may have fewer symptoms than the number required by the DSM criteria for major depression. The association between subthreshold levels of depression symptoms and health status is of special interest because subthreshold syndromes are more common than major depression among older adults (Lyness et al., 2007). Studies have revealed that older adults with subthreshold depression symptoms report worse self-assessed health, more disability days, increased functional limitations, lower perceived social support, and increased suicidal ideation when compared with nondepressed individuals (Chopra et al., 2005 Hybels et al., 2001).        - Mora et al (2012) found a four-class model of depression in community-dwelling older adults using latent profile analysis those with low depression, high depression, subt