Struggling with Depression May Boost Chances of Developing Dementia

In recent years, researchers have been exploring the connection between depression and dementia, two conditions that share some alarming similarities.

Depression, a common mental health disorder, is linked to higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone can directly affect neurons and their ability to connect, leading to cognitive decline - a key symptom of dementia.

Depression is recognized as a significant risk factor for dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease (AD). Individuals with depression often exhibit signs of mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and those with both depressive symptoms and biomarkers like β-amyloid positivity tend to have faster cognitive decline and brain atrophy.

The connection between depression and dementia lies in shared mechanisms such as cognitive decline, brain atrophy - particularly in the hippocampus - and dysfunction of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis.

Early treatment of depression can help potentially prevent or delay dementia by addressing factors like hippocampal atrophy and cognitive decline. Interventions such as physical exercise, which improve brain health and modulate the HPA axis, may help slow these degenerative processes. Treating depression early may reduce the severity or progression of cognitive impairment, thereby lowering dementia risk.

Cultivating social bonds with loved ones and sharing experiences can help improve mental health. Consider joining clubs or volunteering in the community. If depressive-type symptoms persist for several weeks, it's advisable to seek psychotherapy for an evaluation.

Engaging in activities that challenge the brain, such as learning a language, playing a musical instrument, or participating in dance classes, can help maintain cognitive health. Spend at least 20 minutes a day on these activities.

Another study found that people with depression at any age were twice as likely to develop dementia. People with depression are 74% more likely to develop dementia, according to another study. The number of depression cases has increased by at least 18% in the last ten years.

For overall mental health, a 30-minute walk a day outdoors may be enough physical activity to help maintain mental health. Activities like yoga or tai chi can also reduce stress. Techniques such as meditation or breathing exercises can help manage stress and anxiety. A simple exercise is to inhale deeply for four seconds, hold for seven, and exhale for eight.

Establishing a stable sleep routine, avoiding devices before bed, and maintaining a regular bedtime and wake-up time can improve sleep quality. Regular checkups of physical health indicators like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels are important. Strictly following treatment for chronic conditions is essential.

Chronic inflammation in the brain, caused by prolonged depression, can accelerate cellular damage and contribute to cognitive decline. Including red fruits, nuts, fish, and good fats in the diet can help feed the brain and maintain cognitive health.

Interestingly, women are more likely to be affected by depression due to biological and social factors. Depression affects areas such as memory and attention, which could predispose to cognitive decline.

While treating depression could potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia, more research is needed to confirm this. Approximately 300 million people globally suffer from depression, representing 5% of the adult population.

This understanding supports integrating mental health care into dementia prevention strategies for older adults showing depressive symptoms. By addressing depression early and adopting a healthy lifestyle, we can potentially protect our cognitive function and delay or prevent dementia onset.

References: [1] Harvard Health Publishing, 2020 [2] Mayo Clinic, 2021 [3] Alzheimer's Research UK, 2021