Depression in subjects with and without dementia: a comparison using GMS-AGECAT

Objective To compare depression in subjects with and without dementia, adjusting for possible confounders. Background The results of comparisons of depression between subjects with and without dementia are inconclusive. Probably confounders play a role. Methods Ninety-one subjects with DSM-III-R dementia and 110 controls without dementia were recruited from homes for the elderly using an identical procedure. The prevalences of AGECAT depressive syndromes, subsyndromes and factors of depressive symptoms were compared adjusting for possible confounders. Results (1) Both group, had similar prevalences of AGECAT depressive syndromes, subsyndromes and overall rates of depressive symptoms; (2) subjects with dementia had significantly more 'motivation symptoms'; and (3) there was a trend to a lower prevalence of 'mood symptoms' in subjects with dementia. These results refer to a sample of institutionalised elderly subjects. It is not clear to what extent they can be generalised to subjects living in the community. Conclusion The results indicate that it is not AGECAT (sub)syndrome measures of depression but the profile of depressive symptomatology which is affected by dementia. Copyright (C) 2002 John Wiley Sons, Ltd.