[The effects of antidepressive drugs among the patients with memory disturbances--a systematic review]

The aim was to provide a systematic review of the effects of antidepressive drugs on depression among the aged with memory disturbances or dementia. Randomized, controlled trials (RCT) published in 1980-2009 were searched in Medline (PubMed) and Cochrane databases. The material consisted of 11 original RCT's. Depressive symptoms declined in many studies both in the active drug group and in the placebo group. Only four trials showed a statistically significant difference between an active drug and a placebo in decreasing depressive symptoms. Psychosocial support was arranged in all trials, which may explain the positive effects of placebo and gives support to the conclusion about the importance of psychosocial treatment of depression. Antidepressive drugs may be effective in treating major depression among the aged suffering from memory disturbances or dementia, but more studies are needed. The side effects of tricyclic antidepressants are problematic in the aged, and they should not be prescribed.