Depression in subjects with and without dementia: a comparison using GMS-AGECAT.
OBJECTIVE
To compare depression in subjects with and without dementia, adjusting for possible confounders.


BACKGROUND
The results of comparisons of depression between subjects with and without dementia are inconclusive. Probably confounders play a role.


METHODS
Ninety-one subjects with DSM-III-R dementia and 110 controls without dementia were recruited from homes for the elderly using an identical procedure. The prevalences of AGECAT depressive syndromes, subsyndromes and factors of depressive symptoms were compared adjusting for possible confounders.


RESULTS
(1) Both groups had similar prevalences of AGECAT depressive syndromes, subsyndromes and overall rates of depressive symptoms; (2) subjects with dementia had significantly more 'motivation symptoms'; and (3) there was a trend to a lower prevalence of 'mood symptoms' in subjects with dementia. These results refer to a sample of institutionalised elderly subjects. It is not clear to what extent they can be generalised to subjects living in the community.


CONCLUSIONS
The results indicate that it is not AGECAT (sub)syndrome measures of depression but the profile of depressive symptomatology which is affected by dementia.
Janzing
Joost G E
JG
Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Nijmegen, The Netherlands. j.janzing@czzopsy.azn.nl
Hooijer
Chris
C
van 't Hof
Martin A
MA
Zitman
Frans G
FG
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013577:Syndrome