702 YouTube Video
Dis-chem Random Acts of Kindness recognizes SADAG
|
Depression may double dementia risk, say researchers
Depression may double dementia risk, say researchers
Having depression may nearly double the risk of developing dementia later in life, new research suggests. Experts know that the two conditions often co-exist, but it is not clear if one actually leads to the other. Now two studies published in the American journal Neurology suggest depression does mean dementia is more likely, although they do not show why. And the researchers stress that the findings merely reveal a link, not a direct cause. They say more studies are needed to find out why the two conditions are linked. They believe brain chemistry and lifestyle factors like diet and the amount of social time a person engages in may play a role. Dr Jane Saczynski of the University of Massachusetts, who led the first of the two studies, said: "While it's unclear if depression causes dementia, there are a number of ways depression might impact the risk of dementia. Continue reading the main story What this study demonstrates is that depression at a younger age is probably a significant risk factor for dementia Professor Clive Ballard The Alzheimer's Society "Inflammation of brain tissue that occurs when a person is depressed might contribute to dementia. Certain proteins found in the brain that increase with depression may also increase the risk of developing dementia." Her study, which followed 949 elderly people for 17 years, showed dementia more often followed a bout of depression. By the end of the study, 164 of the people had developed dementia. Specifically, 22% of those who had depression went on to develop dementia compared to 17% of those who did not have depression. The second study, meanwhile, followed 1,239 US people and looked at the number of times a person experienced depression related to their risk of dementia. It showed that the more times someone experienced depression, the higher their dementia risk was. Having two or more episodes of depression nearly doubled the risk of dementia. Rebecca Wood, chief executive of the Alzheimer's Research Trust, said: "Similarities in symptoms between dementia and depression can mean the two are sometimes confused at time of diagnosis, but we don't know if they are biologically linked. "These latest studies suggest that there may be profound connections between dementia and depression so we must expand the research to find out more." Professor Clive Ballard of the Alzheimer's Society agreed that more research was now needed to establish why the link exists. "It is well known depression is common in early stages of dementia. What this study demonstrates is that depression at a younger age is probably a significant risk factor for dementia," he said. Bookmark with· Delicious· Digg· StumbleUponPrint Sponsor See also· Depression linked to Alzheimer's07 April 08Health · Q&A: Dementia03 February 10Health Related links· Related BBC links· Related internet linksThe BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites FROM OTHER NEWS SITES Melbourne Age Depression Increases Dementia Risk - Stu - 6 hrs ago Telegraph LifeCoach: Why can't I get to sleep? - 7 hrs ago SINA Depression increases risk of dementia: study - 17 hrs ago CNN Depression may raise risk of... - 23 hrs ago CTV.ca Depression may raise the risk of dementia - 24 hrs ago [an error occurred while processing this directive] Most popular stories nowshared1. 'Psychic' octopus favours Spain2. Porn film shot in London hospital3. Untidy beds may keep us healthy4. Day in pictures5. Iran cracks down on 'decadent' haircuts for menread1. Singer George Michael is arrested2. Porn film shot in London hospital3. 'Psychic' octopus favours Spain4. Nazi suspect Storms dies aged 905. Judge rules over Men At Work song6. Queen addresses the UN Assembly7. Challenge to Arizona migrant law8. Marksmen search town for gunman9. Iran cracks down on 'decadent' haircuts for men10. Justin Bieber's 'North Korea tour'watched/listened1. Play What the Higgs 'harmonic signatures' may sound like |
Suicide Crisis Line
8am-8pm
0800 567 567
SMS 31393
Pharmadynamics Police and Trauma Line
8am-8pm
0800 20 50 26
AstraZeneca Bipolar Line
8am-8pm
0800 70 80 90
Sanofi Aventis Sleep Line
8am-8pm
0800-SLEEPY ( 0800 753 379)
Department of Social Development Substance Abuse Line
24hr helpline
0800 12 13 14
SMS 32312
SADAG Mental Health Line
8am-8pm
011 262 6396
Dr Reddy's Help Line
8am-8pm
0800 21 22 23
Akeso psychiatric reponse unit
Gauteng Emergencies 24 hour
010 040 HELP (4357)
|
|
||
|
|||
