HomeBlogPatientDepression and Dementia: Is There a Link? Depression and Dementia: Is There a Link? September 26, 2016Patient September is Healthy Aging Month, an annual awareness event created to highlight the positive aspects of aging—and to find the right ways to stay healthy and happy as the years go by. While many use this month to remind Baby Boomers of the importance of physical health—eating right, exercising regularly, and getting regular check-ups—mental health is also a critical aspect of healthy aging. And it’s important to make sure you are doing what you can to stay mentally and emotionally healthy, too. That’s why it’s so important to pay attention to depression symptoms as we age. We know that women often experience depression around the time of menopause . And older individuals may also experience the blues when faced with retirement, empty nests and health ailments. But depression should never be taken lightly. Perhaps even more so now that researchers have tied increasing depressive symptoms with dementia, or a sharp decline in mental faculties and memory. The depression-dementia connection Most clinicians can tell you that both depression and dementia are often seen in elderly patients. We already discussed some of the biological and situational reasons why older individuals may feel down. Many of those same factors are also present in dementia. The fact that so many individuals had both disorders led some scientists to believe that depression and dementia were linked. But it’s always been a bit of a chicken-and-egg problem. Were the precursors of dementia causing depression? Was it the brain changes in depression that might herald the rise of cognitive issues? Or were the two just common, but unlinked, issues—as elderly individuals often have a host of medical issues ranging from heart disease to problems with mobility? The answer wasn’t clear. New research: a possible answer? But, recently, a research group in the Netherlands shed some light on the issue . This group of epidemiologists followed more than 3,000 individuals 55 years and older who did not have signs of dementia but had some issues of depression—and they did so for more than 10 years. They then continued to assess them for another 10 years to look for signs of dementia. By tracking the trajectories of depressive symptoms, the group found that individuals whose symptoms of depression increased over time showed a significantly heightened risk to go on and develop dementia later. While this study cannot show a definite causal relationship, the patterns of depression offer an interesting insight into how these disorders may be related. The researchers hypothesize that increasing symptoms of depression in elderly individuals may be a symptom of early stage dementia—and is something that should be watched carefully by family members, caregivers, and physicians. So, for this year’s Healthy Aging Month, give yourself a mental health gut check. If you are experiencing symptoms of depression—extreme fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, irritability, and/or loss of interest in the things you enjoy—don’t just write those feelings off as the Baby Boomer blues. Talk to your doctor and get any help you might need so you can continue to live a healthy, happy, and high-quality life for as long as possible. The information on this website is provided as a general information resource only, and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified healthcare provider. Always seek the advice of your physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The information on this website is provided “as is”. Assurex Health makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the information on this website. Our articles are for informational purposes only and are reviewed by our Medical Information team, which includes PharmDs, MDs, and PhDs. Do not make any changes to your current medications or dosing without consulting your healthcare provider. The GeneSight test must be ordered by and used only in consultation with a healthcare provider who can prescribe medications. As with all genetic tests, the GeneSight test results have limitations and do not constitute medical advice. The test results are designed to be just one part of a larger, complete patient assessment, which would include proper diagnosis and consideration of your medical history, other medications you may be taking, your family history, and other factors. If you are a healthcare provider and interested in learning more about the GeneSight test, please contact us at 855.891.9415. If you are a patient, please talk with your doctor to see if the GeneSight test may be helpful. 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Patient Which Mental Health Provider Should I Consider? A Symptom-Based Guide The support of a good healthcare provider can make all the difference when you’re struggling with your mental health. But how do you connect to one in a sea of ... Read more
Patient One explanation for why we experience Side Effects? Understanding Your Genetic Response to Antidepressants Antidepressants often play an essential role in helping patients with their mental health conditions. But as many patients can attest, it’s frustrating when... Read more
Patient Barriers at Every Turn: How Systemic and Social Factors Block Men from Mental Health Care Taking the important step of seeking care for mental health isn’t always an easy decision. Uncertainty about the need for care, social stigmas associated wi... Read more
Healthcare Provider Overcoming Side Effect Concerns: Leveraging Pharmacogenomic Insights to Inform Depression and Anxiety Medication Selection Whitnee Brown, a lifelong resident now practicing in Birmingham, Alabama has nearly an entire alphabet following her name, abbreviations for degrees and certifi... Read more
Patient Concerns about Mental Health Medication Side Effects Remain a Barrier to Getting Help for Those Diagnosed with Depression and Anxiety Lisa Roberts has raised a family, reached an impressively high level in her career, and was an anchor for her mother and other family members. When, within ... Read more
Patient Common Antidepressant Side Effects Taking an antidepressant can be an effective way to help treat a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. However, these medications can also cre... Read more
Patient MTHFR Mutations: Clinical Implications and Management Strategies MTHFR mutations—changes in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene—have gained increased attention in the medical community due to their potent... Read more
Patient Can an App Help Me Manage My Anxiety? Health and wellness smartphone apps have become so common that if you can name a health goal, desire or condition, you can probably find an app for it. N... Read more
Patient Black Trailblazers of Psychiatry and Mental Health: A Legacy of Healing and Advocacy As we celebrate Black History Month, we want to recognize a few individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to the field of psychiatry and mental heal... Read more
Patient Mindful Moments: Tips for Anxiety If a well-meaning friend or family member has ever told you to “just breathe” when you’re feeling worked up or stressed out, you’d be forgiven if you felt l... Read more