Psychiatr. praxi. 2011;12(4):145-148

Lewyho tělísky.

MUDr.Václav Dostál

Neurologická klinika, Pardubická krajská nemocnice, a. s., Pardubice

Depression and dementia

Dementia and depression are common neuropsychiatric symptoms in the elderly population. Depression is a recognized risk factor

for developing depression and depressive symptoms accompany a fully-developed dementia syndrome. The particular types of neurodegenerative

diseases manifested by dementia are characterized by varying rates of depression. Depressive symptomatology has

been described most commonly in Alzheimer’s disease; however, it also occurs early in vascular depression or Huntington’s disease.

The differential diagnosis of dementia must always distinguish pseudodementia, i.e. a condition manifested as dementia but caused

by severe depressive symptomatology. To treat depression in diseases manifested by dementia, SSRI agents are most commonly used;

antidepressants with anticholinergic effects are absolutely inappropriate. The effect of antidepressive medication in dementia patients

is discussed.

Keywords: dementia syndrome, depression, Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Huntington’s disease

Published: October 22, 2011  Show citation