Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia (CSDD)
19-item observer-rated scale of depressive symptoms in dementia, drawing on patient self-report and informant observation (Alexopoulos 1988). Each item 0 (absent), 1 (mild/intermittent), 2 (severe). Total 0–38. Score ≥8 suggests probable depression.
Score interpretation
→ Reassess if behaviour or function declines. Optimise environment, social activity, sleep hygiene.
→ Treat reversible contributors (pain, constipation, sleep, sensory loss, infection). Non-pharmacological first-line: structured activity, music therapy, light exposure. Trial SSRI (sertraline / citalopram); avoid TCAs.
→ Old-age psychiatry referral. Combine SSRI + non-pharmacological measures. Active suicide-risk assessment. Consider mirtazapine for poor appetite/sleep. ECT for severe / psychotic / treatment-resistant depression.
Interpretation bands for the Cornell-Depression. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Lamotrigine (Psychiatric Use) · Mood Stabiliser (Sodium Channel Blocker) — Bipolar Depression
- Donepezil · Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) — dementia
- Memantine · NMDA receptor antagonist — dementia
- Rivastigmine · Dual AChEI and BuChEI inhibitor — dementia
- Quetiapine (Elderly — Dementia Caution) · Atypical Antipsychotic
- Sodium Valproate · Antiepileptic / Mood stabiliser
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.