Abstract Depression in the elderly is seen as different than the classical depressions which occur in younger individuals. In particular, elderly patients tend not to suffer the loss of self-esteem which is characteristic of depression, presenting rather with symptoms of distress and unhappiness. Data are reviewed which indicate that these depressive-like symptoms have little or no impact on cognitive functions and the suggestion is made that the case for emotional influence on cognitive abilities in the elderly (pseudodementia) is vastly overrated. If elderly patients do present with cognitive difficulties, these are more likely disease-based rather than the result of emotional factors such as depression. To be, or not to be: That is the question; Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, or to take arms against a sea of troubles, and by opposing, end them? To die, to sleep no more; and by a sleep to say we end the heartache and the thousand natural shocks that...