Effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Alzheimer’s Disease with Comorbid Depression

Abstract

Current evidence does not support the efficacy of SSRI treatment for symptoms of comorbid depression in AD. However, studies differed in terms of criteria for diagnosis of depression, the compound tested and outcome measures for depression. These factors could account for the lack of a clear benefit for depression.

Clinical practice guidelines for dementia in Australia

“…Larger trials conducted in people with dementia have not shown benefit (in group data) for antidepressants for treatment of depression per se. 31 Nevertheless, the committee considered that those with a pre-existing history of major depression (before developing dementia) who develop a comorbid major depression should be treated in the usual way.…”

Critical role of somatostatin receptor 2 in the vulnerability of the central noradrenergic system: new aspects on Alzheimer’s disease

“…More advanced fixation techniques [43] Several clinical and experimental studies indicate that the SST system is also implicated in stress, anxiety and depression [64], and there is now direct evidence that, in fact, the receptor involved is SSTR2 [32,33,118]. Notably, depression is a leading neuropsychiatric complication in Alzheimer's disease [94], and an association with chronic life stress and laterlife cognitive dysfunction has been proposed [46].…”

The Use of Aroma-acupoint Therapy and Aromatherapy to Treat Depression in Dementia Patients with Severe Cognitive Impairment

“…The frequent use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) may increase the occurrence rate of side effects. Because serotonin syndrome and serotonin discontinuation syndrome may contribute to agitation, restlessness, or a change in consciousness, the Canadian Consensus Conference on Dementia (3rd CCCDTD) has suggested using antidepressants only after non-pharmacological interventions have not been found to be effective [9].…”