Published online by Cambridge University Press: 16 April 2020
The term depressive pseudodementia has proved to be a popular clinical concept. Little is known about the long-term outcome of this syndrome.
To compare depressed elderly patients with reversible cognitive impairment and cognitively intact depressed elderly patients.
All patients suffering from moderate or severe depression admitted to St Margaret's Hospital, UK as inpatients or day hospital outpatients between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 1999 (n=182) were screened for entry into the study. Eligible patients were divided into those presenting with pseudodementia and those who were cognitively intact and followed up for 5 to 7 years.
Seventy one percent point four percent of those suffering from pseudodementia had converted into dementia at follow up compared to only 18.2% in the cognitively intact group. The relative risk was 3.929 (95% CI: 1.985 to 7.775) and the ‘number needed to harm’ 1.88.
Reversible cognitive impairment in late-life moderate to severe depression appears to be a strong predictor of dementia. Patients with pseudodementia should probably have a full dementia screening, comprehensive cognitive testing and ongoing monitoring of their cognitive function.
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