From: drarwingnuttephd@gmail.com   
      
   Depression as a Risk Factor for Dementia   
   By Elizabeth Shimer Bowers  Reviewed by Pat F. Bass, III, MD, MPH   
      
   Researchers say there is a relationship between depression and dementia. A new   
   study finds the clearest evidence yet of a possible link.   
      
    David Burton/Corbis Seeking depression treatment early on may reduce your   
   dementia risk later.   
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   More in DEPRESSION   
   KEY TAKEAWAYS   
   New research supports a long-held theory: Depression could be a risk factor   
   for dementia.   
   Treating depression, eating healthily, and exercising are important steps   
   toward preventing dementia.   
   Researchers have long theorized that depression as people age may be linked to   
   dementia later in life. Now a new study reveals that it may indeed be a risk   
   factor.    
      
   "In this study we wanted to find out if the reason depression predicts   
   dementia is because it is really an early sign of the disease," says Robert S.   
   Wilson, PhD, lead researcher on the study and a professor of neuropsychology   
   at Rush University in    
   Chicago. "This has been a persistent question throughout the research. We know   
   that it takes years for dementia to develop, and sometimes these subtle   
   changes in behavior that predict later disease are really early signs."    
      
   For the study, published in the journal Neurology in July 2014, Wilson and his   
   colleagues looked at more than 1,700 older people who did not have dementia or   
   depression. They screened the participants for both depression and dementia   
   symptoms once a year    
   for about eight years, and they also examined autopsy reports for those who   
   died during the study, looking for signs of dementia and cognitive decline,   
   Wilson says.    
      
   During the study period, 52 percent of the participants developed mild   
   cognitive impairment, and 18 percent developed dementia.  Those who developed   
   dementia had a higher level of depression symptoms before their dementia set   
   in than the others.    
      
   Theories on the Depression-Dementia Link   
   Scientists are still learning about the relationship between depression and   
   dementia, and Wilson's study builds on previous research about the connection   
   between the two conditions. According to the Alzheimer's Association, up to 40   
   percent of people    
   with Alzheimer's disease also have depression, but experts haven't uncovered   
   the reasons why depression and dementia occur together. However, a few top   
   theories have persisted:    
      
   "One theory on the relationship between depression and dementia is that   
   depression is an early sign or symptom of dementia," says Ashley Gorman, PhD,   
   a clinical neuropsychologist with the Morris Psychological Group in   
   Parsippany, New Jersey. "In this    
   theory, the budding dementia is actually causing the depression."    
   Another theory holds that depression may directly damage the brain, leading to   
   dementia. "Simply put, chronic stress and/or depression may result in the   
   release of cortisol," Gorman says. Over time, this stress hormone can harm the   
   brain, she says.    
   A third theory points to reduced brain volume. "Depression may alter brain   
   volumes, which puts a person at increased risk of earlier symptoms of   
   dementia," says Paul Schulz, MD, an associate professor of neurology at the   
   University of Texas Medical    
   School at Houston.    
   Treating Depression Before Dementia   
   "One important implication of our study is that people with symptoms of   
   depression should pursue treatment even if their symptoms aren't disabling,"   
   Wilson says.   
      
   Symptoms of depression can include problems with memory, concentration, and   
   decision making. Treatment for depression may include medications or   
   behavioral therapy. The goal, Dr. Schulz says, is to shorten the depression in   
   hopes of reducing the risk for    
   dementia.    
      
   RELATED: Why Weather Matters When You're Depressed   
      
   In addition, as depression gets better with treatment, so do memory symptoms,   
   according to the Alzheimer's Association. If you continue to have memory   
   symptoms like forgetfulness as your depression improves, talk with your   
   physician. Also consider seeing    
   a neuropsychologist, who can identify signs of dementia.   
      
   Healthy habits are also important when it comes to staving off both depression   
   and dementia. "There is no substitute for daily exercise and good nutrition,"   
   says Laura Boxley, PhD, an assistant professor of clinical psychiatry at The   
   Ohio State    
   University in Columbus.    
      
   "Recent studies have found regular exercise decreases your risk for dementia,"   
   she says. "Exercise is also a great treatment for depression. Whether it's   
   running, walking, swimming, or gardening, I tell patients to do at least 30   
   minutes of moderate    
   exercise five days a week," she says.   
      
   Gorman agrees, adding that having an active social life and participating in   
   mentally challenging and engaging activities are critical as well.   
      
   "Anything good for your heart is good for your brain," she says.   
      
   Last Updated: 10/15/2014   
      
      
      
   http://www.everydayhealth.com/news/depression-risk-factor-dementia/   
      
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