The authors divided 61 subjects with primary degenerative dementia of
the Alzheimer's type into a group who also met DSM-III criteria for
depression (N = 28) and a group who did not (N = 33). Both groups were
randomly assigned to an 8-week double-blind trial of imipramine or placebo.
Scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, administered at
baseline and weeks 2, 4, 6, and 8, indicated significant improvement in
both groups. Two measures of cognitive function yielded differing results.
The results suggest that moderate depression is a treatable condition in
patients with Alzheimer's disease.Abstract Teaser