Abstract | December 20, 2022
Is Depression a Risk Factor for Developing Dementia?
Learning Objectives
- Compare and contrast the risk of developing dementia with a diagnosis of depression.
- Describe the risk factors related to the association of dementia and depression.
Background: Dementia is not a specific disease. It refers to impaired cognition, including the ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with everyday activities. The most common types of dementia include Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, and Lewy body dementia. There are various risk factors for dementia, but one factor that needs a more profound understanding is depression. This review study outlines the relationship between depression and the onset, as well as the prognosis of dementia.
Methods: A literature review (2000-2022) regarding the impact of depression on the development and progression of dementia was conducted. Eligibility criteria included papers published in peer-reviewed journals, and studies involving human subjects. Exclusion criteria for this study included systematic reviews and articles published prior to 2000. A computerized search of databases (Google Scholar, PubMed) was performed using keyword search terms such as “depression” AND “dementia.”
Results: The risk of dementia varies with the presence and resolution of depression at different ages. The resolution of depression earlier in life is not associated with an increased risk of dementia, but persistent depression from adulthood to late-life leads to a greater risk of cognitive decline. Distinct phenotypes of cognitive impairment have been noted in patients with early-onset vs. late-onset depression. There is a high prevalence of cognitive impairment (~50%) in late-life depression that is persistent even after the remission of depressive symptoms. Late-life onset depression (LLD) may be associated with Alzheimer’s, while recurrent depression may be associated more with vascular dementia. Factors like beta-amyloid protein and grey matter lesions in depressed individuals show a greater impact on memory and executive function. Long-term SSRI use in depressed individuals with mild cognitive impairment delays the progression to Alzheimer’s dementia.
Conclusions: Literature findings suggest that depression has an impact on the development and progression of dementia. Future studies can delve further into whether depression serves as a modifiable risk factor in the progression of dementia. The study of such a relationship is important for preventing and treating dementia in the elderly population affected with depression.
References:
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33601735/
- https://europepmc.org/article/PMC/3704214
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-021-01269-y
- https://ajp.psychiatryonline.org/doi/full/10.1176/appi.ajp.2017.17040404
