A new study suggest that older adults with depression experience more rapid cognitive decline than those without depression. Hence, it seems to age your brain faster.
And by rapid cognitive decline, the authors mean diminishing executive function, memory loss, and information processing.
The researchers suggested three theories for the link between depression and cognitive decline, which they said were not mutually exclusive and, in fact, likely to overlap: that depression could be a cause of cognitive decline, that depression could in fact be an early symptom of the same underlying conditions that cause the decline, and third, that the causes of depression and automatic decline are separate conditions that share risk factors and underlying causes.
Consequently, the study’s authors suggest closer monitoring of those with affective disorders as they ascend unto the later hills of life.
Earlier this month, I pointed out a study that suggested that untreated depression can lead to significant brain inflammation — particularly if that depression is untreated for more than 10 years.
Brain inflammation is linked to, among other things, raising your risk for Alzheimer’s.
That highlights the importance of getting a handle on this stuff soon.
Now here’s the fascinating thing– we heard a lot last week about certain antidepressants, tied to a higher risk of developing dementia.
But we also know, from this study and others, that untreated depression can also raise your likelihood of getting dementia.
So what’s a middle-aged man or woman to do?
Talk to your doctor.
Cool photo indirectly related to aging: Pexels.
