Key clinical point: White matter damage, represented by measures of white matter hyperintensities, is present in older adults with depression and also is associated with reduced cognitive control.

Major finding: White matter hyperintensities burdens were significantly higher among older adults with depression, compared with nondepressed controls, based on performance on tests. Those tests include the Trail Making Test A & B. In addition, depressed adults reported greater dysexecutive behavior on the Frosntal Systems Behavior Scale-Executive Function subscale.

Study details: The data come from a study of 44 adults with late-life depression and 59 age-matched nondepressed controls.

Disclosures: The study was funded by National Institute of Mental Health. Lead author Matteo Respino disclosed no financial conflicts.