BACKGROUND: Depressive symptoms and syndromes are highly prevalent in patients with dementia. They may significantly affect the quality of life of the patients and their care-givers, but also the course of dementia. AIM To review the current knowledge regarding depression in dementia. METHOD: The content of this review article is based on a selection of the literature considering the prevalence,
... [Show full abstract] the symptomatology, the course, the aetiology and the therapeutic options for depression in dementia. RESULTS: Clinically relevant depression (syndromal and subsyndromal) is prevalent in about 5O% of the patients with dementia. Untreated, its course is persistent. Both biological and psycho-social factors may play a role. In contrast to mood symptoms, symptoms reflecting motivation disturbance are correlated with the severity of dementia. These symptoms seem to reflect fronto-subcortical dysfunction caused by dementia. Currently, a number of biological and psychotherapeutic treatment options are available. CONCLUSION: The diagnosis ofdepression in patients with dementia may have major clinical implications.