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Depression May Signal Early Brain Disease Risk
15 Jan
Summary
- Depression in seniors may precede Parkinson's or dementia diagnosis.
- Depression risk peaks about three years before brain disease diagnosis.
- This link is stronger than with other chronic illnesses.
New research suggests that depression experienced by seniors may serve as an early warning sign for the development of severe brain diseases. The study found that depression occurs more frequently and earlier in individuals who are later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or Lewy body dementia.
The risk for depression in these individuals shows a steady increase, reaching its peak about three years prior to a formal diagnosis of Parkinson's or dementia. This persistent elevation in depression rates, even after diagnosis, differentiates it from depression associated with other chronic conditions.
Researchers analyzed data from over 17,700 Danish individuals, comparing those with Parkinson's or Lewy body dementia to those with other chronic illnesses. The findings indicate that depression's link to these neurodegenerative diseases cannot be fully explained by the emotional toll of living with a chronic condition, suggesting it reflects early brain changes.
