A long-term study has found that depression increases a person’s risk of developing dementia later in life.

When the study began, participants did not have dementia and were tested for depressive symptoms based on various factors. They found that 13 percent of the participants had depression. At the end of the 17-year study, 164 of the 949 people developed dementia. Of those, 136 were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.

Nearly 22 percent of people who were depressed in the beginning developed dementia, whereas about 17 percent were not depressed – that accounts for a 70 percent increased risk for those who were depressed.

“While it’s unclear if depression causes dementia, there are a number of ways depression might impact the risk of dementia,” said study author Jane Saczynski, PhD, of the University of Massachusetts Medical School in Worcester.

One theory presented was that since there is inflammation in brain tissue of depressed people, that might contribute to dementia. There are also lifestyle factors that may come into play, such as diet, exercise and social interaction.

Almost 10 percent of American adults are suffering from a mood disorder in any given year.

Challenges is a Nationally Certified “Center of Excellence” for treating depression, substance abuse and other addictions. If you or a loved one is experiencing depression and are seeking solutions please contact us.