REVIEWS   

Panminerva Medica 2007 September;49(3):139-49

Copyright © 2007 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Diagnosis and treatment of depression in Alzheimer’s disease: impact on mood and cognition

Appleby B. S., Roy P., Valenti A., Lee H. B.

Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine Baltimore, MD, USA

Depression, a common neuropsychiatric syndrome associated with lower quality of life (QOL), higher mortality, and higher caregiver burden, is estimated to occur in 20-50% of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients. Recent research suggests that depression in AD (dAD) may differ from major depression phenomenologically and etiologically. Treatment options for dAD include behavioral modifications, pharmacotherapy, and electroconvulsive therapy. Successful treatment of dAD has been reported to improve patients’ mood and QOL, as well as lower caregiver burden. Further research is needed in therapeutics of dAD to enhance treatment options and effectiveness.