Alzheimer's disease and depression.
This article reviews the empirical literature available on the phenomenon of depression in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although not extensively studied, there is accumulating evidence to suggest that depression affects a large number of patients with AD and can have profound effects on both the long-term functioning of these patients and the well-being of their caregivers. Thus far, the field is dominated by studies of prevalence. Considerably rarer are studies investigating etiology, association with other aspects of disease, impact on patients and caregivers, assessment, and treatment. The conceptual issues, methodological differences, and implications of the studies that exist thus far are discussed.
Teri
L
L
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington Medical Center, Seattle 98195-0001.
Wagner
A
A
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence