Depression in dementia sufferers

A large number of studies concerning depression in dementia sufferers have appeared in the literature over the last few years and have added to our knowledge considerably. The prevalence rate of concurrent depression and dementia among clinical samples is approximately 20% with lower rates in the community. There is relatively little information available regarding patients in nursing homes, which is a priority for research along with the study of milder depression. Although there have been a number of interesting developments regarding possible neurochemical associations of depression among these patients, there has been little study of psychosocial factors. The symptoms of depression are similar to those seen in patients without cognitive impairment. Concurrent depression creates considerable excess disability. More information is required about the natural course of these disorders and treatment strategies.