For People With Dementia & Depression, Non-Drug Therapies As Good As Or Better Than Antidepressants

In people with dementia and depression, three non-drug therapies were found to be more effective than antidepressants. The three most effective non-antidepressant treatments were: massage and touch therapy, cognitive stimulation with a cholinesterase inhibitor, and cognitive stimulation combined with exercise and social interaction.

A total of 10 interventions were associated with a greater reduction in symptoms of depression compared with usual care with antidepressants:

Cognitive stimulation: Structures therapy (e.g., one or two sessions per week, for a defined number of hours) with sessions aimed at promoting cognitive function (e.g., orientation, reminiscence, art therapy, games).
Exercise: Active . . .