Alzheimer’s disease: a major challenge in the effective treatment of depression in the elderly
2008
Alzheimer’s Disease and Depression in the Elderly
publication
Author Information
Author(s): Kapoor Shailendra MD
Hypothesis
Late-life depression may be an early manifestation of Alzheimer's disease itself.
Conclusion
Recognizing Alzheimer's disease and managing it can significantly improve the treatment of late-life depression.
Supporting Evidence
- Rates of depression as high as 51% have been reported in patients with Alzheimer's disease.
- Elderly patients with depression are almost 4 times more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.
- Patients with Alzheimer's disease who develop depression show decreased frontal lobe activity.
Takeaway
Elderly people with depression might actually be showing early signs of Alzheimer's disease, and doctors need to pay attention to this connection.
Participant Demographics
Elderly patients.
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