ASSESSMENT OF DEPRESSION VERSUS DEMENTIA
American Psychological Association
Table of Contents
Why Practitioners Need Information
Psychologists are often called upon to assist in the evaluation of the psychological status of patients with overlapping symptoms of depression and dementia (which can coexist). Depressed individuals are more likely to have an abrupt onset of symptoms, a history of psychiatric problems, decreased motivation, variability in mental status, and conspicuous complaints about their memory problems. Testing can be useful in identifying to what degree the cognitive deterioration is secondary to depression.
