<title>To the Editor:</title> <p>The recent article by Snowden et al (##REF##18082015##1##) is illuminating but does not mention the close relationship between late-life depression and Alzheimer's disease. Late-life depression may actually be an early manifestation of Alzheimer's disease itself. Failure to recognize subtle signs and symptoms can delay appropriate treatment, which is a major challenge in effectively treating depression in the elderly.</p> <p>Rates of depression as high as 51% have been reported in patients with Alzheimer's disease (##REF##7802118##2##). In fact, recent studies indicate that late-life depression may be a substantial risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (##REF##12756140##3##). Wetherell et al have reported that elderly patients with depression are almost 4 times more likely than those without depression to develop Alzheimer's disease, and this risk is even greater in those patients who report symptoms such as decreased energy levels or a decline in interest (##REF##10192642##4##). Patients with Alzheimer's disease who develop depression show decreased frontal lobe activity and glucose hypometabolism, especially in the bilateral superior gyri and the left anterior cingulated gyri (##REF##9484357##5##).</p> <p>Physicians should be aware of the close relationship between Alzheimer's disease and depression. Recognizing Alzheimer's disease and appropriately managing it can go a long way toward effectively treating late-life depression.</p>
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<italic>Suggested citation for this article:</italic> Kapoor S. Alzheimer’s disease: a major challenge in the effective treatment of depression in the elderly [letter]. Prev Chronic Dis 2008;5(3). <ext-link xlink:href="http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2008/jul/08_0005.htm" ext-link-type="uri">http://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2008/jul/08_0005.htm</ext-link>. Accessed [<italic>date</italic>].
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Prev Chronic Dis. 2008 Jun 15; 5(3):A103