A FOLLOW-UP STUDY OF ELDERLY DEPRESSIVES AND ALZHEIMER-TYPE DEMENTIA-RELATIONSHIP WITH DST STATUS.

Seventy-three elderly patients (38 with Alzheimer-type dementia (ATD) and 35 with major depressive disorder) were followed up 2–5 years after an index admission during which a dexamethasone suppression test (DST) had been performed. Clinical state, cognitive function, neurological status and repeat DST were assessed where possible. The death rate was high in both groups (greater in the ATD group) but was not influence by original DST In either group, but DST non-suppression in the depressed group was associated with significant cognitive rate and abnormal neurological features. Possible mechanisms of the association are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]