A recent study has revealed that depression significantly raises the risk of developing dementia, not only in middle age but also among those aged 50 and above.
Dementia currently affects over 57 million people worldwide, and with no cure available, addressing modifiable risk factors like depression has become a crucial public health objective.
Researchers explain that the relationship between depression and dementia is complex, involving factors such as chronic inflammation, dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, vascular changes, and imbalances in neurotrophic factors and neurotransmitters.
Additionally, shared genetic influences and behavioural changes may further increase the risk.
Recognising Depression To Protect Brain Health
The study, published in the journal eClinicalMedicine, emphasises the importance of recognising and treating depression throughout an individual’s life, not just for mental health benefits but also to protect brain health and potentially reduce dementia risk.
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Jacob Brain from the University of Nottingham’s Institute of Mental Health stated, “Public health efforts need to place greater emphasis on preventative brain health, including scaling up access to effective mental health care.”
When Does Depression Matter Most?
Although previous research has linked depression to a higher likelihood of developing dementia, the question remained as to when depression exerts the greatest influence, whether it is depression starting in midlife (40s or 50s) or later in life (60s and beyond).
This new study synthesises evidence from over 20 prior studies involving more than 3.4 million participants to analyse the timing of depression more closely.
It found that depression occurring later in life may not only increase dementia risk but might also serve as an early warning sign of dementia’s onset.
“Our findings raise the possibility that depression late in life may not just be a risk factor, but it could also be an early warning sign of dementia beginning to develop,” Brain explained. “By clarifying this timing, our work helps guide future research, treatment, and prevention strategies.”
A Meta-Analysis Providing Clearer Insights
The meta-analysis carefully evaluated when depression was measured—whether during midlife or later—and calculated its impact on dementia risk accordingly.
This approach enabled the researchers to deliver a more precise and up-to-date understanding of how depression at different life stages correlates with the likelihood of developing dementia.
As dementia continues to challenge global health, this study underlines the urgent need to prioritise mental health care and early intervention for depression as part of comprehensive dementia prevention strategies.
Early recognition and treatment of depression could play a vital role in safeguarding cognitive health well into old age.
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