Masters claim that unfounded complaints or apparent dementia may mask treatable depression in the elderly & urges early recognition & intervention. Contributing causes are listed in Table 1, symptoms in Table 2, classification & management in Table 3, & disorders which can cause depression in Table 4. Although not advocating extensive drug use in the aged, the author believes using tricyclic antidepressants reduces suffering & prolongs enjoyment of life without making handicapping side effects.