Dementia and depression in elders with mental retardation: a pilot study.
A preliminary investigation of cognitive decline and depressive symptomatology is presented with older adults who have mental retardation. A series of different assessment instruments are reviewed and tested in a pilot study. A review of dementia and depression with respect to elders with mental retardation is presented to place the study in perspective. Findings reveal decreasing cognitive ability is associated with higher rates of observed depression and reported behavioral problems. Trends suggested those more elderly displayed more depressive behaviors, psychotropic medication was a common treatment, and cognitive decline was associated with lower initial intellectual levels. Dementia and depression is a complicated symptom complex to identify in aging adults with mental retardation.
Harper
D C
DC
University Hospital School, Department of Pediatrics, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
Wadsworth
J S
JS
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D004314:Down Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008607:Intellectual Disability / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D007360:Intelligence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012920:Social Behavior Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis; D012931:Social Environment
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs