Dissecting dementia, depression, and drug effects in older adults.
As adults age, many changes in functioning occur, and dementia and/or depression may develop. Medications used to manage dementia and depression include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The challenge for nurses is recognizing which behaviors, signs, and symptoms are the result of the dementia or depression and which are the result of the drug therapy. The purpose of this article is to present information to increase awareness of the complexities of care for older adults with dementia and/or depression and identify possible implications for practicing nurses.
Sherrod
Roy Ann
RA
The University of Alabama, Capstone College of Nursing, Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA. rsherrod@bama.ua.edu
Collins
Angela
A
Wynn
Stephanie
S
Gragg
Monika
M
D000368:Aged; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000451:nursing* / Q000523:psychology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018697:Nootropic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D009733:Nursing Diagnosis; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D020230:Serotonin Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013375:Substance Withdrawal Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000451:nursing
D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D018697:Nootropic Agents; D017374:Paroxetine; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors