The Relationship Between Depression and Dementia in the Context of the Impact on Mortality Rates

Abstract

The aim of the study was to summarize research data on depressive disorders in dementia and to clarify the presence of their impact on mortality rates in dementia. Materials and methods: To compile a literature review on the keywords “dementia”, “mortality” and “depression”, papers were selected and analyzed in the MEDLINE/PubMed and eLibrary databases from 2000 to 2020, as well as relevant references of the analyzed papers. Of the 245 Russian-language and 142 English-language papers, 64 publications were selected for further analysis. Results: the relationship between depression and dementia in late life is complex and is still under debate. Depression can be both a risk factor for the development of dementia and prodromal syndrome, or accompany the development of dementia. Depression is common in all types of dementia and in all stages of the disease, including mild cognitive impairment. Depression and vascular dementia may have a synergistic effect on mortality. Conclusion: the results obtained in the course of the study are important for integral understanding of the peculiarities of managing patients with various types of dementia.