Summary:
This study showed people who had experienced depression were 2.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than people who had never had depression. The risk was even higher for those whose depression occurred before the age of 60; they were nearly four times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than those with no depression.
This study found no difference in the size of these two brain areas between people with depression and people who had never had depression.
The authors' stated conclusion is quite clear: "History of depression, and particularly an early onset, but not presence of depressive symptoms increased the risk for Alzheimer disease."
If you're concerned about your risk of developing Alzheimer's disease, please discuss it with your doctor. There is a great deal of ongoing research about Alzheimer's disease, including possible ways of delaying or preventing it. Your doctor can help you look at all your potential risk factors and whether increasing mentally challenging activities and/or adding dietary supplements may be appropriate for you.
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Resources:
Press release. "Depression Increases Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease." American Academy of Neurology. St. Paul. April 7, 2008.
Geerlings, M.I., PhD; den Heijer, T., MD, Phd; Koudstall, P.J., MD, PhD; Hofman, A., MD, PhD; Breteler, M. M. B., MD, PhD. "History of depression, depressive symptoms, and medial temporal lobe atrophy and the risk of Alzheimer disease." Neurology® 2008;70:1258–1264.
© Teri Robert, 2008.
Last updated April 7, 2008.
