Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Noropsikiyatri Arsivi, cilt.32, sa.3, ss.147-150, 1995 (Scopus)
Pseudodementia-depression is difficult to distinguish from dementia, but can be successfully treated with antidepressants. There is no specific marker or laboratory test to differentiate these two clinical entities. We observed a 62 year old woman with a negative clinical history for affective disorders, who developed anhedonia, insomnia, weight loss and suicidal ideations eight months after an aortic valve replacement operation. This picture was accompanied by severe impairment of memory and orientation. Brain perfusion SPECT was performed with 99m Tc HMPAO. Cortical hypoperfusion and perfusion defect in the left inferior frontal and posterior temporal regions were observed. Modified FAS word-generation test was performed and significantly increased frontal activity was found. This finding was considered as a clue for pseudodementia-depression and the patients was treated with the combination of amitryptilline and lithium carbonate. Full recovery was noted in five months. SPECT was repeated at the time of clinical recovery and found to be normal. In conclusion our patient may be a further example for the value of FAS word-generation test in diagnosis and follow up pseudodementia-depression cases.