Clock tests in depression, Alzheimer's disease, and elderly controls

Author(s): Kidron, D., Shulman, K. I., Kaplan, E., Binns, M., Leach, L., Freedman, M.

Journal/Book: Int J Psychiat Med. 1998; 28: 26 Austin Ave, Amityville, NY 11701, USA. Baywood Publ Co Inc. 437-447.

Abstract: Objective: While deck-drawing tests are commonly used to screen for cognitive impairment in the elderly, little is known about the performance of elderly depressives. Methods: We compared thirty-three patients with major depression to forty-two Alzheimer's disease and thirty age-matched controls on clock-drawing, copying, and reading. Results: Patients with Alzheimer's disease had significantly lower scores on clock-drawing, copying, and reading than patients with depression or the controls (p < 0.05). Patients with depression did not differ significantly from controls on quantitative scores or qualitative errors. Conclusions: Clock tests may he useful for identifying depressed patients with underlying dementia.

Note: Article Herrmann N, Sunnybrook Hlth Sci Ctr, Div Geriatr Psychiat, 2075 Bayview Ave, Room FG20, Toronto, ON M4N 3M5, CANADA

Keyword(s): clock tests; depression; Alzheimer's disease; DRAWING TASK; DEMENTIA; STATE

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