Apathy and depression in mild Alzheimer's disease: a cross-sectional study using diagnostic criteria.

Apathy and depression are the most frequent neuropsychiatric symptoms in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In a cross-sectional observational study of 734 subjects with probable mild AD, we evaluated the prevalence of apathy and depression. After the use of specific diagnostic criteria, we tested the interaction between the two syndromes and their relation with specific comorbidities, and different functional outcomes.

Health management of older persons with chronically medicated psychotic disorders: the results of a survey in France.

Background: The medical care of elderly patients with psychotic disorders is a matter of major concern. The aim of the study was to investigate health conditions and treatment of elderly patients with psychotic disorders in France.

Methods: The SAGE (Schizophrenia AGEd) study (observational, cross-sectional) was a survey conducted among 123 physicians in France, regarding prescriptions of antipsychotic drugs in elderly patients (≥60 years) suffering from psychotic disorders.

[Depression: an underrated consequence of stroke in elderly].

Stroke is a major cause of morbidity, disability and hospitalization in the elderly. Depression frequently occurs after stroke and influences functional recovery, a crucial factor for the prognosis. The physiopathology of post-stroke depression is not entirely elucidated and might involve several mechanisms: direct consequences of brain lesions, especially in certain localizations, neuroendocrine mechanism or psychological reaction to a life event responsible for stress and handicap.