Unfortunately, there is no drug targeting this symptom, and environment modification and supervision are all that can be offered at present. Neuroleptics are often used to control agitation and disruptive or hostile behavior, but again there is practically no controlled data supporting their use for this indication. Anticholinergic and extrapyramidal side effects, as well as the risk of developing tardive dyskinesia, limit their usefulness. Often goes unrecognized and untreated in the elderly. Patient more likely to be seen by a primary care doctor.
Depression often seems to occur with elderly persons who are experiencing cognitive difficulties.
Risk factors - Loss of significant other, health, independence, pain, alcoholism, financial stress Evaluation Rule of medical illness especially thyroid disease, strokes, malignance and dementia. Evaluate present medications, i.e. Beta blockers. Elderly respond just as well to treatment as younger persons. Pharmacotherapy - Based on association between depression and diminished neurotransmitters, neuropinephrine and serotonin. Tricyclic and serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.