Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, which describes the loss of mental abilities. It is a physical disease which attacks the brain resulting in impaired memory, thinking and behaviour. Now 2 new studies suggest that people who have had depression may be more prone to Alzheimer’s disease.

Dutch researchers found Alzheimer’s was 2.5 times more likely in people with a history of depression. Similarly, US researchers, examining Catholic clergy, found those with signs of depression were more likely to go on to develop Alzheimer’s.

Depression

Depression can occur in older persons,especially those with physical problems. Depression can have many different triggers such as loss, significant life changes, and side effects of medications. Depression in patients with Alzheimer’s disease accelerates loss of functioning in everyday activities. You should not be afraid to ask for a depression screening, as many older people experience the symptoms of depression but are unaware that they have a treatable condition.
Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease

Diagnosis is challenging because of the lack of biological markers, insidious onset, and need to exclude other causes of dementia. It is important to have an early and accurate diagnosis to determine whether a treatable condition other than Alzheimer’s disease, is causing the symptoms.

Conclusion of Study

Scientists believe that depression leads to the loss of cells in two areas of the brain, the hippocampus and the amygdale. The non-functioning of these two areas contributes to Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s destroys brain cells, causing problems with memory, thinking and behavior severe enough to affect work, lifelong hobbies or social life. Alzheimer’s gets worse over time, and it is fatal.

Fact

As many as 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Today it is the seventh-leading cause of death in the United States.