The Clinical Interface of Depression and Dementia

The interface between depression and dementia is complex and has been studied primarily in Alzheimer’s disease. This article discusses several aspects of this intriguing area of clinical research, includingdepressive pseudodementia and the possibility that depression may be a risk factor for the expressionof Alzheimer’s disease in later life and that depression may occur as a prodrome for this mostcommon dementing disorder. In addition, the treatment challenges faced by clinicians when depressioncomplicates the course of Alzheimer’s disease are addressed. It is likely that a combination ofbehavioral treatment and use of antidepressant medication will provide the optimal management ofdepression in Alzheimer’s disease.