The neuropsychological examination in the differential diagnosis of depression and dementia

The differential diagnosis of depression and dementia is a difficult decision, which may have far-reaching consequences for patients and their relatives. Many depressive patients show cognitive deficits which at first sight correspond to early symptoms of dementia, e.g., deficits of mnestic and executive functions. These deficits are not always reversible as it is suggested by the expression "pseudo-dementia". For differential diagnosis, a multidisciplinary approach which includes psychopathological, neurological, neuroradiological, biochemical and neuropsychological methods is needed. In our review, we carry together evidence from meta-analyses, actual research findings, and our own experiences with an outpatient sample in order to determine which cognitive functions should be carefully considered in neuropsychological evaluation so that the differential diagnosis of depression and dementia could be improved.