Helvik AS, et al. - In this longitudinal study, researchers reported the prevalence, incidence and persistence of depressive symptoms over a 36-month follow-up period among 1,001 older adults (≥ 70 years) receiving in-home care at baseline, and examined the connection between cognitive function and the course of depressive symptoms over time. Using the Cornell Scale for Depression in Dementia, depressive symptoms were evaluated. Investigators discovered that both the baseline prevalence and cumulative incidence of depressive symptoms were greater in those with baseline dementia compared with those without baseline dementia. However, there was no difference between those with or without baseline dementia in the persistence of single depressive symptoms. There was a positive association between the severity of cognitive decline and mean depressive symptoms, but the connection became weaker over time. The research demonstrates that depression and dementia are interconnected, and when observing or assessing depression among older adults receiving in-home care, nurses and clinicians should pay attention to cognitive status. If dementia is suspected, a diagnostic work-up must be offered to the individual in order to receive the best possible treatment, which is also consistent with national policy documents.