AbstractA random sample of 368 elderly residents in nine geriatric institutions in Milan was selected, and interviewed using the Intervista Psicogeriatrica, the modified Italian version of the OBS scale (82.1 % successfully completed) and the Depression scale (75.5 % successfully completed) of the Comprehensive Assessment and Referral Evaluation (CARE). The estimated prevalence rates of dementia and depression were 36 % and 30 % respectively, and 50 % for either or both diagnoses. Correlates of dementia were characteristics of the institutions (size, ownership, and admission criteria), age (for women), age at admission, female sex, and poor education. Correlates of depression were disability, length of stay in men (negative association), and marital status. Correlates of dementia and depression were also examined using multivariate analysis. The only significant independent effects on dementia were admission criteria of the institutions and age, while on depression were sex and marital status.