Background Cognitive symptoms are commonly reported in patients with unipolar or bipolar mood disorder. The prevalence of cognitive symptoms increases with ageing. The presence and extent of cognitive symptoms has a direct negative impact on recovery of the psychiatric illness and quality of life.
Aim Improving outcome of older patients with a unipolar or bipolar mood disorder.
Method Review of available interventions to improve cognitive functioning direct or indirect.
Results Strategy training, training of cognitive functions and physical exercise have shown to be effective to improve cognitive functioning and its possible advantages for psychiatric populations are currently studied in the Netherlands. Treatment of comorbid insomnia by cognitive behavioral therapy may improve cognitive functioning indirectly by discontinuation of sleep medication, improvement of sleep and mood related cognitive symptoms.
Conclusion A proactive approach, including screening and treatment of cognitive symptoms before impairment occurs, is warranted to optimize outcome of the ageing psychiatric patient. Tijdschrift voor psychiatrie 63(2021)2, 120-124