Does dementia follow midlife, late-life depression?

Receiving a diagnosis of depression could increase the likelihood of later developing dementia.

In a study published in eClinicalMedicine, investigators examined the data of 25 studies involving more than 3 million participants to determine the relationship between the timing of the depression diagnosis and the development of dementia in later life.

The investigators discovered that the participants who experienced late-life depression had about twice the risk of developing dementia compared with those who didn’t have depression. Those with midlife depression also had an elevated risk of developing dementia.

The findings supported the hypothesis that depression may be an independent risk factor for dementia. The investigators highlighted the critical need for early screenings for depression throughout adulthood.

Read more: eClinicalMedicine

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