The dexamethasone suppression test in dementia.
The dexamethasone suppression test (DST) was performed on 13 patients with multi-infarct dementia (MID), 5 patients with primary degenerative dementia (PDD) and 18 elderly controls. Abnormal lack of suppression was found in 7 demented patients (3 with PDD, 1 mild and 2 severe, and 4 with MID, 1 mild and 3 severe), and in 2 of the controls. Only one demented patient was depressed. The value of DST in the differential diagnosis of dementia from the major depressive disorders is discussed.
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003704:Dementia / Q000097:blood / Q000175:diagnosis*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis; D003907:Dexamethasone; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D003907:Dexamethasone; D006854:Hydrocortisone