Depression in Dutch homes for the elderly: under‐diagnosis in demented residents?

Abstract

The prevalence of diagnosed depressive disorders was comparable between demented and non-demented residents. However, demented residents suffered more from mood symptoms and may be at risk of under-diagnosis of depression.

The diagnosis of depression and use of antidepressants in nursing home residents with and without dementia

“…Within the group of residents with depressive symptoms, residents with and without dementia did not differ significantly with regard to the prevalence rates of depressive disorders. Baller et al () found that among residents in homes for the aged with depressive symptoms according to the MDS‐DRS, those with dementia were significantly less likely to be diagnosed with a depressive disorder than residents without dementia. They concluded that residents with dementia in homes for the aged were at an increased risk for under‐diagnosis of depression as compared with those without dementia.…”

“…Therefore, knowledge on diagnosis and treatment in daily nursing home practice is important, focused on both types of residents. Only a few studies have been carried out focusing simultaneously on both groups in nursing homes or homes for the aged (Janzing et al , ; Davison et al , ; Baller et al , ). A recent Dutch study in homes for the aged suggests that residents with dementia are more at risk of being under‐diagnosed for depression than residents without dementia (Baller et al , ).…”

Animal-Assisted Therapy and Agitation and Depression in Nursing Home Residents with Dementia: A Matched Case–Control Trial

“…8 Prevalence rates of 30% to 50% have been reported for depression in dementia at all stages of cognitive decline. 9 In contrast to agitation, depression often remains unrecognized 10 because it presents differently compared with younger patients not suffering from dementia 11 and because patients with more severe cognitive impairment are sometimes unable to express distress adequately. 9 Untreated depressive symptoms accelerate the course of the disease in dementia, 12 and depression is associated with mortality in the elderly.…”

Measuring Symptoms of Depression: Comparing the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9-Observation Version

“…Recent prevalence estimates suggest that clinically significant depressive symptoms or depressive disorders affect 20% to more than 50% of LTC residents with dementia (Baller et al, 2010; Jongenelis et al, 2004; Payne et al, 2002; Teresi, Abrams, Holmes, Ramirez, & Eimicke, 2001; Zubenko et al, 2003). This is important in LTC settings, where Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia affects an estimated 47% to 67% of residents (Alzheimer’s Association, 2011).…”

“…Despite the evident prevalence of depression in LTC settings, symptoms of depression often go undetected and undiagnosed, particularly in residents with dementia (Baller et al, 2010; Davidson, Koritsas, O’Connor, & Clarke, 2006). First, consensus on the most valid method to assess and diagnose depression in dementia is lacking; thus, diagnostic criteria differ among experts (Starkstein, Mizrahi, & Power, 2008).…”