Cognitive effects of ect in the elderly: Preliminary findings

Clinical recovery, cognitive function, and ward behavior indicative of organic brain syndrome were assessed in 12 elderly, depressed patients before, and approximately one week after, treatment with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). There was a statistically significant improvement in depression, and ward behavior, whereas cognitive function was unchanged. These findings support and extend prior studies which indicate that ECT in the treatment of depression in the elderly is not associated with functionally significant decrements in cognitive performance.