Suffering depression during mid-life could boost the likelihood of dementia later in life by more than half, the latest research has revealed.
Published by the EClinicalMedicine journal, the British study of 2.5 million people has found that depression in mid-life increases the risk of developing dementia by up to 56 per cent.
The study discovered that lasting feelings of unhappiness and hopelessness throughout individuals' 40s and 50s significantly heighten the likelihood of the disease.
The researchers also identified a significant link between late life depression, where symptoms develop at around 65 years of age or older, and dementia.
Lead author Professor Jacob Brain even added that the findings indicated that depression could be a 'warning sign' of upcoming cognitive decline
GETTY
Lead author Professor Jacob Brain even added that the findings indicated that depression could be a "warning sign" of upcoming cognitive decline.
"This highlights the importance of recognising and treating depression across the life course, not just for mental health, but also as part of a broader strategy to protect brain health," he explained, calling for further study.
He added: "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.
"By clarifying this timing, our work helps guide future research, treatment, and prevention strategies.’
LATEST HEALTH NEWS
Conducted by experts from the Institute of Mental Health and School of Medicine at the University of Nottingham, the study said the potential links between depression and dementia are complex but pointed out that chronic inflammation and changes in blood flow to the brain as potential causes for the comorbidity.
Depression may accelerate the cognitive collapse that is associated with dementia, including memory loss, language difficulties and problems with thinking and reasoning.
However, the authors said that the link between depression and dementia in later life may be because the "memory-robbing disease" can cause mood problems in its early stages.
Writing in the EClinicalMedicine journal, Prof Brain said: "Depression in late life may represent an early manifestation of dementia."
Currently, around 982,000 people in the UK are thought to be living with dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society
GETTY
The researchers noted the prevalence of depression among participants may have been overestimated as not all depressed volunteers were actually diagnosed by a medical professional.
Early detection and treatment for depression could minimise the risk of dementia onset and this should be a focus for future research, the experts concluded.
Further research is required to confirm whether interventions that promote physical activity and other lifestyle changes to support mental health earlier in life can reduce dementia risk.
Currently, around 982,000 people in the UK are thought to be living with dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Society.
But, by 2040, dementia cases are expected to sky-rocket to 1.4 million, making early prevention treatments vital to get to grips with the challenge.
Most Read
