Depressive syndromes associated to cognitive deterioration

Abstract

The presence of depressive symptoms and clinically significant depressive pictures is frequent amongst patients with cognitive deterioration. Clinical samples indicate that between 30-50% of patients with cognitive deterioration show depressive symptoms. Depressive symptoms are an important source of functional disability additional to that caused by cognitive deterioration. On the other hand, elderly patients with serious depressive episodes without dementia normally show cognitive deficits that also worsen general functioning. Although depressive symptoms and cognitive deterioration can arise independently, or co-exist without apparent connection, there is an increasing body of data suggesting a correlation that might even be etiological. Therapeutic nihilism has been the most frequent reaction to these pictures. Nonetheless, specific or symptomatic treatments have shown themselves to be efficient in treating the depressive symptoms of patients with cognitive alterations, significantly improving their general functioning.