Mood Disturbances in Alzheimer's Disease

Our aim in this chapter is to review and synthesize the extensive literature on disturbances of mood, including both major depression and other less severe, less well-characterized depressive states, that are frequent in Alzheimer's Disease. We use a dimensional conceptual approach, as it allows a systematic perspective on studies regarding depressive features in dementia, many of which are based on varying assumptions. Evidence is presented regarding epidemiology, symptomatology, course, impact on cognition, risk factors, etiopathology, aids in diagnosis, and treatment.