Differential diagnosis of pseudodementia in the elderly.

Abstract

When depression occurs in the elderly, it may mimic dementia. The identification of depressive pseudodementia is important because this syndrome, unlike true dementia, often responds to antidepressant treatment. In this paper, the authors present strategies for differentiating pseudodementia, dementia, and coexisting depression and dementia. The treatment of depression in the elderly is also discussed.

• Authors: J J Haggerty Jr, R N Golden, D L Evans, D S Janowsky
• Journal: Geriatrics (Geriatrics) Vol. 43 Issue 3 Pg. 61-9, 72, 74 (Mar 1988) ISSN: 0016-867X [Print] United States
• PMID: 3277890 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents

Topics

• Aged
• Aging
• Antidepressive Agents (therapeutic use)
• Dementia (complications, diagnosis)
• Depressive Disorder (complications, diagnosis, etiology, therapy)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Electroconvulsive Therapy
• Factitious Disorders (complications, diagnosis, therapy)
• Humans
• Methods
• Risk Factors