Antidepressant therapy may lift more than just spirits

Abstract

In addition to reducing depression, serotonergic therapy may also improve the cognitive performance of elderly patients with dementia. Accordingly, researchers are considering serotonergic agents as a viable alternative to existing cognitive disorder treatments. Delegates at the 3rd President’s Workshop of the Collegium Internationale Neuro-Psychopharmacologicum (CINP) held in Capri, Italy, earlier this month, heard evidence of the beneficial effects of the newer serotonergic antidepressants and serotonin ₃ antagonists in patients with dementia.