Occurrence of depression and its correlates in early onset dementia patients

We wanted to investigate the occurrence of depression in early onset dementia (EOD) patients and which characteristics were associated with depressive symptoms.

We included 221 patients who were diagnosed with dementia before the age of 65. Depression in these patients was measured by the Montgomery Asberg depression scale (MADRS). Measurements of cognition, behavioural and psychological symptoms and activities of daily life were along with hypothyroidism, diabetes and stroke included in the analysis. History of depression, current psychiatric co-morbidity and usage of antidepressants were recorded.

Mean age of patients was 58.6 years (SD = 5.2); 50.6% were women. Of them 123 patients (55.6%) had a mild degree of depression (MADRS total score 7-19), 21 patients (9.5%) had a moderate degree of depression (MADRS total score 20-34) and only 1 patient had a severe degree of depression (MADRS total score >or=35). A factor analysis produced two factors; the first factor described dysphoria: lack of concentration, pessimistic thoughts, inner tension, suicidal thoughts lassitude and lack of sleep. The second factor denoted sadness: observed sadness, reported sadness, lack of appetite and inability to feel. In an adjusted linear regression analysis history of depression was the only significantly variable associated with the MADRS total score and both factors 1 and 2.

We found a high occurrence of depressive symptoms in EOD patients; 65.7% of all our patients had some degree of depression. A history of depression was the most important correlate of depression in these patients.