OCCULT PRESEMLE DEMENTIA

Abstract

The medical records of 50 patients with a diagnosis of presenile dementia supported by radiological evidence of cerebral atrophy were examined for antecedent manifestations of depressive illness. Symptoms consistent with major affective disorder were present in 1/2 and depressive spectrum diagnoses were made in 1/4 of the cases prior to final diagnosis. A history of psychiatric treatment was common and was significantly more frequent in females than males, suggesting the possibility of sex-related bias. Presenile dementia was often occult, masked by superimposed symptoms and signs of depressive disorder.