Depression in BPSD

Lee, Min Soo

Abstract

The symptom group of dementia is now called as behavioral and psychological symptom of dementia (BPSD). Depression is a highly prevalent concomitant of dementia. At the same time, differential diagnosis between dementia and geriatric depression is clinically important. Depressive symptoms are elevated preclinically in AD, and this elevation is not merely a byproduct of self-perceived cognitive difficulties. Thus, depressive symptoms appeared to be early manifestations, rather than predictors in case of AD. The depressive symptoms can be separated into two categories, reflecting either mood or motivation related disturbance. Mood related symptoms dominate in mild to moderate stages, and motivation related symptoms dominate in severe stages. We can find out the clinical characteristics of depressive symptoms in dementia. And, depression in dementia responds to specific psychopharmacologic or psychosocial treatments. So, we should consider use of multiple therapeutic measures in a systematic way.