The interface of depression and dementia

The interface of depression and dementia is an enduring, difficult problem in psychogeriatrics. Cognitive impairment is one of the secondary criteria for major depression; and major depression may well be a risk factor for Al zheimer's disease. The influence of vascular disease on dementia and late-o nset major depression is also compelling. However, depressive symptoms more often appear to be a prodrome of Alzheimer's disease or a complication of vascular dementia. Major depression and stroke may both accelerate the deme ntia process, but seem unlikely on the basis of single episodes to be a suf ficient cause of dementia, The heterogeneity of signs, symptoms and neuropa thology in both depression and dementia remain substantial obstacles to a c lear understanding Of the interface. Curr Opin Psychiatry 14:367-369. (C) 2 001 Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.