Limited evidence for benefits of antidepressants in dementia

There was little or no difference in scores on depression rating scales between people with dementia treated with antidepressants and those treated with placebo for 12 weeks (high-quality evidence). There was also little or no difference after 6 to 9 months of treatment. Moderate‐quality evidence showed antidepressants increased short‐term remission rates. Antidepressants did not affect the ability to manage daily activities and had little or no effect on a test of cognitive function (which includes attention, memory and language). People taking an antidepressant were more likely to drop out of treatment and to have at least one unwanted side effect.