Is Depression Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease?

A couple of different studies have tried to find if there is a correlation between depression and Alzheimers' disease. Some health experts are saying that those with depression are more likely to develop the disease. They believe that depression may cause damage to the limbic system of the brain, including the hippocampus and the amygdala, key players in the role of emotions and memory. The limbic system is also the part of the brain that Alzheimer’s attacks.

One study evaluated over 900 older monks, priests and nuns who had never reported dementia. In their clinical evaluations the participants completed the 10-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale, as well as a clinical classification of mild cognitive impairment. The study, performed by researchers at Rush university, found that 190 of the participants developed Alzheimer’s and that the ones who did had more symptoms of depression at the beginning of the study.

The folks at Alzheimer’s Research Trust are hoping that this correlation can lead to more understanding about the disease and can possibly fuel new avenues of research.




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