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Depression in Alzheimer's disease.
1Cornell University Medical College, White Plains, New York.
The Psychiatric Clinics of North America
|June 1, 1991
Summary
Depression is common in Alzheimer's disease and shares similarities with depression in nondemented individuals. Identifying and treating depression in Alzheimer's patients is crucial due to its potential for effective antidepressant therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) presents with both cognitive and noncognitive symptoms.
- Depression is a significant noncognitive manifestation in Alzheimer's disease patients.
- Depressive syndromes in AD patients resemble those in the general population and are often recognized by patients and families.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the clinical significance of recognizing depression in Alzheimer's disease.
- To underscore the potential for effective treatment of depression in AD.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical observations and existing evidence regarding depression in Alzheimer's disease.
- Comparison of depressive syndromes in Alzheimer's patients versus nondemented individuals.
Main Results:
- Depressive syndromes in Alzheimer's disease are clinically similar to those in nondemented individuals.
- Familial and neurobiologic factors are implicated in the causation of depression in Alzheimer's disease.
- Depression in Alzheimer's disease is frequently identified by patients and their relatives.
Conclusions:
- Identifying depression in Alzheimer's disease patients is clinically important.
- Depression associated with Alzheimer's disease is responsive to antidepressant treatments.
- Understanding the etiology of depression in AD, including genetic and neurobiological factors, is vital for management.