# Influence of comorbid anxiety and depression disorder on cognition in older adults with epilepsy

## TL;DR

This study finds that older adults with epilepsy who also have anxiety or depression are more likely to experience cognitive impairment.

## Contribution

The study establishes a significant link between comorbid anxiety/depression and cognitive decline in older adults with epilepsy.

## Key findings

- 53.7% of older adults with epilepsy showed cognitive impairment.
- Depression and anxiety were each significantly associated with higher prevalence of cognitive impairment.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed strong associations between depression (β=-1.77) and anxiety (β=-2.18) with cognitive impairment.

## Abstract

This study aims to investigate the association of comorbid depression and anxiety with cognitive function in older adults with epilepsy.

A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on 406 older adults (≥65 years) diagnosed with epilepsy between January 2019 and December 2020. Depressive and anxious symptoms were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), while cognitive impairment was assessed with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Test (MoCA). Multivariate linear regression models were used to examine associations between cognitive impairment and anxiety/depression symptoms, adjusting for potential confounders.

Of the 406 adults, 218 (53.7%) showed cognitive impairment. Adults with depression (70.2% vs. 51.0%, P<0.01) or anxiety (66.7% vs. 48.8%, P<0.01) had a significantly higher prevalence of cognitive impairment compared to those without these conditions. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed significant associations between cognitive impairment and depression (β=-1.77, 95% CI: -2.67, -0.87; P<0.01) and anxiety (β=-2.18, 95% CI: -2.95, -1.42; P<0.01).

Anxiety and depression are significantly associated with cognitive impairment in older adults with epilepsy. Early screening and management of these psychiatric conditions are essential to reduce cognitive decline and enhance patient outcomes.