The prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of depression in dementia patients in chronic care facilities in the last six months of life.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the prevalence, diagnosis and treatment of depression among dementia patients and normal controls in chronic care facilities in the last six months of life.

METHOD

We reviewed perimortal data concerning dementia severity, depressive symptoms and diagnoses, and medication use for 279 dementia patients and 24 normal controls brought to autopsy through an Alzheimer's Disease Resource Center.

RESULTS

Major depression was highly prevalent among both dementia patients and normal controls in chronic care facilities in the last six months of life. This depression was under-diagnosed by physicians. Documentation of depressive symptoms by medical support staff has improved over time. However, physician diagnosis of depression has not improved. Recognition of depression was significantly lower for patients with severe dementia. Depression was under-treated in both dementia patients and normal controls, although treatment rates may be increasing. Anxiolytics and hypnotics were often used in lieu of, or in addition to, antidepressant therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Major depression was highly prevalent in both dementia patients and normal controls, indicating that depression is an important issue for the elderly in the last six months of life irrespective of cognitive status. Under-diagnosis of depression may be an important clinical issue. As physician diagnosis of depression has not improved with time, further physician training and/or awareness initiatives may be warranted. Depression, a treatable cause of excess morbidity and mortality, was undertreated in all groups studied. However, treatment rates may be improving. The prevalent use of anxiolytics and hypnotics for depressed patients is problematic.