An Unobvious Sign of Hidden Brain Diseases Identified 0 5

Depression in older age may not just be a psychological reaction to aging, but an early signal of developing neurodegenerative diseases. This conclusion was reached by researchers who published the results of a large analysis in the journal General Psychiatry (GP).

The scientists studied medical data from more than 17,700 residents of Denmark, who were later diagnosed with Parkinson's disease or dementia with Lewy bodies. It turned out that symptoms of depression in these patients appeared more frequently and earlier than in individuals with other chronic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, kidney diseases, or osteoporosis. The risk of depression gradually increased and peaked about three years before the neurological diagnosis was made.

Importantly, the elevated level of depression persisted even after the diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or dementia, whereas such dynamics were not observed in other long-term illnesses. This indicates that depressive symptoms are not merely an emotional response to health deterioration but may reflect early changes in the brain.

According to the lead researcher Christopher Rode, the findings align with the hypothesis that depression may be one of the first manifestations of the neurodegenerative process. This connection was particularly pronounced in dementia with Lewy bodies, where the frequency of depression was even higher than in Parkinson's disease.

The authors emphasize that depression itself does not mean the inevitable development of dementia. However, in older adults, it can serve as an important "red flag" indicating an increased risk of serious brain diseases.