DEMENTIA AND DEPRESSION IN ELDERS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION - A PILOT-STUDY

A preliminary investigation of cognitive decline and depressive symtomatology is presented with older adults who have mental retardation. A series of different assessment instruments are reviewed and tested in a pilot study. A review of dementia and depression with respect to elders with mental retardation is presented to place the study in perspective. Findings reveal decreasing cognitive ability is associated with higher rates of observed depression and reported behavioral problems. Trends suggested those more elderly displayed more depressive behaviors, psychotropic medication was a common treatment, and cognitive decline was associated with lower intial intellectual levels. Dementia and depression is a complicated symptom complex to identify in aging adults with mental retardation. © 1990.