title: Differentiate depression from dementia.
abstract: Depression and dementia are two common problems among the elderly that may be difficult to differentiate. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is important not only for symptom management, but to reduce social isolation and cognitive impairment, and prevent physical disability and suicide. Use this six-step process as a guideline to help differentiate depression and dementia.
authors.affiliation: University of North Carolina, Charlotte, USA.
authors.forename: Carolyn K
authors.initials: CK
authors.lastname: Maynard
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D006801:Humans; D009722:Nurse Practitioners