How do you treat a patient with moderate dementia who experiences a recurrence of depression?

When I get a patient with moderate dementia and depression, I make sure the basic potential reversible medical contributors have been looked into and corrected (i.e., B12/D3 deficiency, OSA, etc). If the patient is on medications that could contribute to depression, I discuss with PCP and family if ...

Medications aside, would strongly suggest you try talking to the patient. They may have difficult-to-express problems that will take a bit of conversation. Or, they may have suspiciousness or paranoia, which is common with confusion due to dementia. If these other stresses continue, they may appear ...

After ruling out any medical or medication contributors to depression I would use an antidepressant, beginning at low doses and gradually increasing the dose until there is a response. I would ask if any prior treatments were helpful. If the depression did not improve and was of significant severity...