Depression Linked to Dementia and Alzheimer – According to a recent report, there is a connection between depression and dementia. While researchers have long speculated that there could be a link between the two, recent research has backed up these claims. The findings were published in the journal Neurology. The study included over 1,000 people who were studied for up to 17 years. They were evaluated for both conditions using standard clinical tests. The study showed that depressed individuals nearly doubled their risk for dementia as well as their risk for Alzheimer’s disease.
“This is probably the best in terms of long-term follow study that I’ve seen in terms of associating dementia with depression,” said Dr. Richard Isaacson.
Research on the subject has been inconsistent, but the information that was recently obtained by researchers seems to back up previous speculation that there could be a strong link between Alzheimer’s and depression.
The study said that individuals with depression should be treated as soon as possible in order to decrease their risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia throughout their lives.Some have theorized that depression is a warning sign that the brain may be more susceptible to dementia.
Exercise and social engagement have been shown to reduce the risk of dementia in all age groups. Depressed people tend to be less active and more withdrawn from their surroundings, and the theory is that that kind of behavior could lead to an increased risk for brain disorders like dementia.
A number of other substances have also been linked to an increased risk of dementia, including omega-3 fatty acids, cholesterol, and controlling ones blood sugar. Generally, the more healthy the lifestyle you live, the less risk you will have for developing dementia.