Effects of Mifepristone on Biomarkers of Metabolic Function and Neuropsychological Performance Among Middle-Aged and Older Individuals

The purpose of this study is to study the effect of cortisol,a stress hormone in the body, on memory and attention in people with a history of depression, but who are not in the midst of a current depressive episode. Cortisol may affect parts of the brain associated with memory and attention directly. It may also indirectly affect the brain by controlling how much insulin the body makes. Insulin is thought to impact cognition by changing the amount of sugar available in certain parts of the brain. The investigators are studying this question by giving patients a medication, called Mifepristone, which reduces cortisol's effect on the brain. The investigators will compare results from several groups of people, including differences between men and women, and between those with and without insulin resistance.