Laks_2008_Curr.Opin.Psychiatry_21_562

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Dementia and depression are serious causes of global impairment in the elderly. This review is aimed at finding pharmacological reports from 2007-2008 so as to examine whether new guidance is available to treat these patients.
RECENT FINDINGS: Studies on Alzheimer's disease and Lewy body dementias show that cholinesterase inhibitors are still first line treatment for these diseases and memantine is indicated in moderate/severe Alzheimer's disease, whereas there is as yet no standard available treatment for frontotemporal dementias. Treatment of depression in the elderly shows the same results as in younger individuals, and cerebrovascular pathology is important for treatment resistance.
SUMMARY: There is a need for new drugs that focus on treatment resistant and nonresponder individuals. Most studies are confirmation of previous reported results.