Smaller hippocampal volume in current but not in past depression in comparison to healthy controls: Minor evidence from an older adults sample

Abstract

The finding of lower left posterior HC volume in currently depressed individuals but not in those with a past MDE compared to healthy controls could be related to brain neuroplasticity. Additionally, our results may suggest manual measures to be more sensitive than automated methods.

Commentary on “Smaller Hippocampal Volume in Current But Not in Past Depression in Comparison to Healthy Controls: Minor Evidence From an Older Adults Sample”

“…Numerous structural magnetic resonance imaging studies examined the neuroanatomical correlates of depression, reporting both smaller hippocampus (HC) volume and, although in a lower number of studies, smaller right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) gray matter volume in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) in comparison to healthy controls. Similar findings were found in older adults (see our full article for relevant literature 1 ).…”

“…In order to further understand volume differences between currently depressed individuals and people with remitted past major depressive episode (MDE), and assess if remission is associated with volume recovery, we investigated HC and ACC volume differences in a sample of French older adults (n = 516). 1 We compared HC and ACC volumes in older adults currently depressed (n = 150) or with past remitted MDE (n = 79) versus healthy controls (n = 287). Consequently, we selected nondemented individuals from a cohort of community-dwelling older adults.…”