Depression in patients with dementia of Alzheimer type.

Depression in dementia of Alzheimer type (DAT) has classically been considered to diminish as the disorder progresses. Using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale and the Mini-Mental State Examination to gauge the severity of depression and dementia, respectively, the authors found that the magnitude of depression did not differ as a function of disease severity in patients with DAT. The use of appropriate antidepressant therapy is therefore encouraged at any stage of disease in these patients.