Depression is associated with markers of accelerated aging, but it is unclear how this relationship changes across the lifespan. We examined whether a brain-based measure of accelerated aging differed between depressed and never-depressed subjects across the adult lifespan and whether it was related to cognitive performance and disability. We applied a machine-learning approach that estimated brain age from structural MRI data in two depressed cohorts, respectively 170 midlife adults and 154 older adults enrolled in studies with common entry criteria. Both cohorts completed broad cognitive batteries and the older subgroup completed a disability assessment. The machine-learning model estimated brain age from MRI data, which was compared to chronological age to determine the brain–age gap (BAG; estimated age-chronological age). BAG did not differ between midlife depressed and nondepressed adults. Older depressed adults exhibited significantly higher BAG than nondepressed elders (Wald χ2 = 8.84, p = 0.0029), indicating a higher estimated brain age than chronological age. BAG was not associated with midlife cognitive performance. In the older cohort, higher BAG was associated with poorer episodic memory performance (Wald χ2 = 4.10, p = 0.0430) and, in the older depressed group alone, slower processing speed (Wald χ2 = 4.43, p = 0.0354). We also observed a statistical interaction where greater depressive symptom severity in context of higher BAG was associated with poorer executive function (Wald χ2 = 5.89, p = 0.0152) and working memory performance (Wald χ2 = 4.47, p = 0.0346). Increased BAG was associated with greater disability (Wald χ2 = 6.00, p = 0.0143). Unlike midlife depression, geriatric depression exhibits accelerated brain aging, which in turn is associated with cognitive and functional deficits.

This study documents the vicarious psychological impact of the 2010 earthquake in Haiti on Haitians living in the United States. The role of coping resources-family, religious, and community support-was explored. The results highlight the importance of family and community as coping strategies to manage such trauma.Keywords: vicarious trauma, natural disaster, coping Este estudio documenta el impacto psicológico vicario que tuvo el terremoto de 2010 en Haití sobre los residentes haitianos que viven en Estados Unidos. Se explora el papel de los recursos de afrontamiento-apoyo familiar, religioso y comunitario. Lo resultados destacan la importancia de la familia y la comunidad como estrategias de afrontamiento para superar un trauma de esas características.Palabras Clave: trauma vicario, desastre natural, afrontamiento R esearch has shown that natural disasters have an impact on survivors (Benight et al., 1999) as well as those outside of the disaster zone (Shalev, Tuval-Mashiach, & Hadar, 2004). Although less is known regarding those who are not directly affected, the limited research indicates that individuals outside the disaster zone may experience trauma symptoms similar to those reported by individuals who experienced the traumatic event (Everly, Boyle, & Lating, 1999), which may be defined as vicarious trauma (VT). Our article highlights (a) the VT symptoms resulting from one such natural disaster, the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, and (b) the coping strategies used to manage such trauma by Haitians/Haitian Americans.

Deficits in cognition, reward processing, and motor function are clinical features relevant to both aging and depression. Individuals with late-life depression often show impairment across these domains, all of which are moderated by the functioning of dopaminergic circuits. As dopaminergic function declines with normal aging and increased inflammatory burden, the role of dopamine may be particularly salient for late-life depression. We review the literature examining the role of dopamine in the pathogenesis of depression, as well as how dopamine function changes with aging and is influenced by inflammation. Applying a Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) Initiative perspective, we then review work examining how dopaminergic signaling affects these domains, specifically focusing on Cognitive, Positive Valence, and Sensorimotor Systems. We propose a unified model incorporating the effects of aging and low-grade inflammation on dopaminergic functioning, with a resulting negative effect on cognition, reward processing, and motor function. Interplay between these systems may influence development of a depressive phenotype, with an initial deficit in one domain reinforcing decline in others. This model extends RDoC concepts into late-life depression while also providing opportunities for novel and personalized interventions.

Late-life depression (LLD) is characterized by accelerated biological aging. Accelerated brain aging, estimated from structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data by a machine learning algorithm, is associated with LLD diagnosis, poorer cognitive performance, and disability. We hypothesized that accelerated brain aging moderates the antidepressant response. Design and Interventions: Following MRI, participants entered an 8-week randomized, controlled trial of escitalopram. Nonremitting participants then entered an open-label 8-week trial of bupropion. Participants: Ninety-five individuals with LLD. Measurements: A machine learning algorithm estimated each participant's brain age from sMRI data. This was used to calculate the brain-age gap (BAG), or how estimated age differed from chronological age. Secondary sMRI measures of aging pathology included white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes and hippocampal volumes. Mixed models examined the relationship between sMRI measures and change in depression severity. Initial analyses tested for a moderating effect of MRI measures on change in depression severity with escitalopram. Subsequent analyses tested for the effect of MRI measures on change in depression severity over time across trials. Results: In the blinded initial phase, BAG was not significantly associated with a differential response to escitalopram over time. BAG was also not associated with a

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Acculturation is the extent to which a person identifies with his or her group of origin and its culture or with the mainstream dominant culture. 3-Studies have shown a relationship between mental health problems and low levels of acculturation, that is, retaining the culture of origin amidst the demands of a new culture. 6-Highly acculturated individuals may also experience stress, such as the challenges of adjusting to the cultural values of the dominant society. 1 Acculturative Stress refers to the stress that an individual experiences as they move away from their country of origin to another. 7-High levels of acculturative stress may place individuals at risk for developing depression, anxiety, psychosomatic symptoms, suicidal ideation, and identity confusion. 2, 6, 8 Haitians: There are nearly half a million foreign-born Haitians and more than half a million more second-generation Haitians living in the U.S. 9 , yet there are no known studies examining acculturation, acculturative stress, and mental health for Haitians in the U.S.

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This paper provides a historical background and review of the literature on intergroup dialogues, with a focus on community-engaged dialogues. The authors illustrate the format, purpose, and community factors involved in the Day of Dialogue (DOD), an intergroup community dialogue series. An expansion of Zúñiga and Nagda’s (2001) stages of intergroup dialogue is used to critically examine dialogue issues and provide a structure for culturally appropriate, community-engaged implementation. Lessons learned from three years of DOD implementation are provided, including the following themes: Balancing process and content, maintaining flexibility, defining roles, identifying biases, identifying/engaging key players, allowing voices to be heard, mindfulness toward environment/structure, and promoting movement towards action. Concrete suggestions to guide future practice around creating effective, culturally appropriate, and community-engaged dialogues, as well as effectively empowering communities and fostering social change, will be discussed.