Trazodone in the Management of Major Depression Among Elderly Patients with Dementia: A Narrative Review and Clinical Insights

Objective: Major depressive disorder (MDD) often co-occurs with dementia and other neurological disorders, and treatment with antidepressants can improve symptoms, quality of life, and survival in these patients. This narrative review provides an expert opinion about the role and effectiveness of trazodone in the treatment of older adults with MDD and cognitive impairment due to physical illnesses, such as dementia. Results: Because of its mechanism of action, trazodone can treat several depression symptoms often seen in people with dementia, including insomnia, agitation, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and irritability. Conclusion: Trazodone may be beneficial for patients with dementia or other neurological disorders comorbid with MDD, especially when the clinical picture of depression includes or is comorbid to symptoms of insomnia, irritability, inner tension, anxiety, or psychomotor agitation.