DEMENTIA OF DEPRESSION OR DEPRESSION OF DEMENTIA IN STROKE

This study describes the correlation between changes in mood symptoms assessed by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) and intellectu al impairment assessed by the Brief Cognitive Rating Scale (BCRS) and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale (MDRS) in 166 unselected 1-year survivors after stroke, in whom post-stroke depression (PSD) has previously bee n described and validated, The course of intellectual impairment assoc iated with PSD tvas compared with the course of intellectual impairmen t in non-PSD patients. In general, improvement in mood symptoms was co rrelated with an improvement in intellectual function. However, in 53 PSD patients improvement in intellectual performance was absent, despi te the fact that the patients reported being significantly less distre ssed by dementia symptoms. Antidepressive medication did not lead to a ny improvement in MDRS score. No evidence tvas found to support the hy pothesis of 'dementia of depression'. To the contrary, the findings in dicate 'depression of dementia'.