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Genetic Test Predicts Late-Life Depression Risk in Groundbreaking Study
29 Aug
Summary
- Genetic score can determine depression risk in adults over 70
- Study followed 12,000+ participants for 4.7 years
- Findings could enable early intervention and prevention of late-life depression
In a groundbreaking development, researchers from Monash University in Australia have discovered that a person's genetic makeup can be used to predict their risk of developing depression in later life. The longitudinal study, which followed over 12,000 individuals aged 70 and above for an average of 4.7 years, has revealed the significant role genetics plays in age-related depression, a leading cause of disability among older adults.
Contrary to the researchers' initial hypothesis that environmental factors would be the primary driver of late-life depression, the study found that a person's "polygenic score" – a measure that encapsulates thousands of genetic variants associated with depression – was strongly linked to both the onset and severity of the condition, as well as the use of antidepressant medications.
The groundbreaking findings open the door to the potential use of genetic testing by doctors to identify individuals at high risk of age-related depression, enabling early intervention and potentially improving outcomes for those affected. As the world's population continues to age, this research could have far-reaching implications for addressing the growing burden of mental health challenges in older adults.
