Dementia is a decline of cognitive functioning that affects nearly 10 million new cases annually, and it is estimated to rise to 139 million by 2050. It usually occurs in old age and affects the memory, personality, and mood. On the other hand, depression is primarily known as a mood disorder, but it significantly affects brain health. Depression causes changes in brain structure and functioning, which further lead to the development of dementia.
In this article, you may get an idea about how depression and dementia are linked, their risk factors, lifestyle factors, and the treatment options available to treat them.
Can Depression Really Raise Dementia Risk?
A 2020 Swedish nationwide cohort study indicates that individuals diagnosed with depression are twice as likely to develop dementia. The risk of developing dementia is highest in the first year after the diagnosis of depression. Moreover, this research suggests that severity and the number of depressive episodes are also linked to the high risk of dementia.
Here are some factors that may further explain the link between depression and dementia.
1. Inflammation
Inflammation in the brain and body occurs due to excessive stress and depression. It damages the brain cells and leads to the development of dementia. This inflammation is the major link between depression and dementia.
2. Stress hormones
Depression causes extreme stress, which increases the stress hormones like cortisol. The excessive increase of stress hormones damages the brain structure such as the hippocampus, a brain area which is crucial for memory. It may further lead to the development of dementia.
3. Hippocampal shrinkage
This is the part of the brain that leads to cognitive decline; it causes issues with memory and further leads to dementia. Similarly, it further leads to depression later in life.
4. Vascular Issues
Severe depression and dementia cause vascular issues. Vascular disease leads to cognitive decline and damage to the blood vessels, which may further lead to vascular dementia.
5. HPA Axis Dysregulation
The HPA axis maintains the stress hormones and overall psychological balance. The dysregulation of the HPA axis leads to the contribution of dementia and depression as it damages the hippocampus.
Depression in Early Life vs. Later Life: Does Age Matter?
Depression can appear at a young age as well as in old age and severely impacts an individual’s life. It causes consistent sadness, hopelessness, and lack of motivation. Depression manifests differently at different ages.
Here is how depression impacts early life, midlife, and old age.
1. Early life depression
Depression during childhood increases the vulnerability to future stress, as it causes long-term mental health issues. Early-life depression causes issues with the development of the brain; it reduces the grey matter volume. It affects different areas of the brain, such as emotional regulation and stress response.
2. Midlife depression
Individuals with depression in adulthood have a decline in cognitive abilities. Depression in midlife increases the risk of developing dementia in old age. It accelerates the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
3. Late-life depression
Depression in old age is a warning sign of dementia, as it impacts faster cognitive decline. Recent studies indicate that individuals with a history of depression are at high risk of developing dementia or Alzheimer’s disease at an older age.
What are the shared risk factors between Depression and Dementia?
Several shared factors contribute to the development of dementia and depression, including:
1. Genetics
Dementia and depression are both heritable conditions, as they tend to run in families. If anyone in your family is suffering from dementia or depression, there is a high chance that you may also develop it. They both have a genetic architecture, which means the genes contributing to depression also contribute to the development of dementia.
2. Brain changes
Depression and dementia are two distinct conditions, but they can occur together. Both share some neurological changes that cause the link between the two conditions.
These include:
Neurotransmitter dysfunction
The dysregulation of brain chemicals causes fluctuations in mood and cognitive impairments. The disability of these brain chemicals is implicated in the development of both depression and dementia.
Hippocampal atrophy
Hippocampal atrophy may account for the association between dementia and depression. The shrinkage of hippocampal atrophy not only causes cognitive impairments but also causes mood fluctuations.
3. Lifestyle factors
Dementia and depression are two complex conditions; both have some lifestyle factors that may contribute to their development.
These include:
Social isolation
Social isolation is a major factor in the development of dementia and depression. A person who wants to stay alone often leads to social dysfunction, which further leads to cognitive disability and impacts mood.
Poor sleep
Lack of sleep or poor sleep patterns affects the brain’s ability. Sleep deprivation impacts the brain areas that contribute to the development of dementia and depression.
Chronic illness
People dealing with chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart issues are at a high risk of developing depression and dementia. These lifelong conditions negatively impact brain functioning, which further leads to the development of dementia and depression.
Signs to Watch For: When Depression Might Signal Cognitive Decline
Depression and dementia are two separate mental health conditions that often coexist and make the diagnosis challenging, particularly in old age. Both conditions can affect the concentration, mood, memory, and communication.
Here are some overlapping signs to look for:
- Memory impairments
- Cognitive decline
- Mood fluctuations
- Withdrawal from social activities
- Sleep disturbances
Dementia and depression are both lifelong conditions; they won’t go on their own!
Get immediate support if you see any symptoms of dementia or depression. An expert psychiatrist or neurologist can diagnose, treat, and recommend therapies along with medications to help affected cases.
Prevention and Early Intervention
Early intervention can help manage the issues earlier. Treating depression earlier can help reduce the risk of developing dementia. Depression at any age can increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. However, recent research demonstrates that people with treated depression have a 30% lower risk of developing dementia.
Strategies for managing dementia and depression
Here are some of the lifestyle strategies that can help in managing the symptoms of depression and dementia.
Physical activity
To reduce the probability of being a victim of dementia and depression, the best practice is to exercise. There are multiple exercises, but one can even start with walking, swimming, meditation, etc. This will help in improving cognitive abilities and reducing the risk of getting dementia and depression.
Prioritize Sleep
Maintaining a sleep cycle helps in reducing the symptoms of depression and dementia. Getting sufficient sleep helps in brain functioning and memory consolidation. Avoiding caffeine and alcohol before going to bed also helps in reducing both.
Healthy diet
Healthy eating is another way to stay away from these chronic diseases, like depression and dementia. A person who avoids unhealthy food, particularly less sugar intake, caffeine, and alcohol, has less chance of getting brain damage.
Social connection
Social connection helps in managing the isolation and loneliness; spending time with your friends and family can be helpful. Make yourself engage in social activities, such as joining a support group or participating in volunteering. Practice cognitive simulation activities, which enhance your cognitive abilities, such as puzzle games, reading, or learning new skills.
Stress reduction techniques
Make yourself busy with stress reduction techniques such as breathing and yoga. Set a corner in your house for yourself, where you can relax. Engage yourself in activities that help your mind calm down. Moreover, seek professional support if stress becomes uncontrollable and difficult to manage.
Seek professional support
Consult with a neurologist and healthcare professional for better outcomes. They will make the best treatment plan according to the severity of your condition. They will recommend therapies and medications according to your conditions.
Managing dementia and depression needs careful consideration. Here are some of the medications that can be helpful:
Treatment Options
Medications
- Citalopram
- Mirtazapine
- Cholinesterase inhibitors
- Memantine
- Escitalopram
- Zoloft
Therapies
Managing dementia along with depression needs a multifaceted approach. Here are some of the therapies that can be helpful in managing dementia and depression.
1. Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies
CBT helps in managing unsettling beliefs and thoughts by intervening in thoughts and behaviors and changing them into helpful ones. It is an evidence-based therapy that helps in managing depression and dementia. It helps in engaging individuals with dementia in enjoyable activities. CBT also helps the caregivers to change their thoughts and implement new coping strategies.
2. Reminiscence Therapy
Reminiscence therapy helps cognitive functioning by recalling past events, through old photographs or personal objects. It makes the individuals enhance their self-esteem and improve their social interaction.
3. Validation Therapy
This talk therapy aims to make the individuals feel heard and important. It helps in reducing anxiety and depression by acknowledging the feelings through positive engagement.
4. Music therapy
A healthcare professional engages the individuals in music, playing with instruments, singing, or listening to old songs. It helps the brain regions to recall long-term memory and emotions.
5. Art therapy
Engaging in art therapy helps improve mood and reduce the symptoms of depression and dementia. It involves painting, drawing, coloring, or sculpting to make people engage in healthy activities and improve their social interaction
6. Pet therapy
Spending time with pets also helps in improving mood and promotes social interaction. Looking after a pet makes individuals with dementia engaged and involved. Moreover, it also improves oxytocin levels, which brings feelings of trust and empathy and reduces depression.
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Conclusion
Depression and dementia are linked; having depression in earlier life increases the risk of developing dementia later in life. Depression can be a warning sign for dementia. Both dementia and depression impact cognitive abilities, and they have some overlapping symptoms, which makes the diagnosis difficult. There are some strategies that can help in managing the symptoms of both, such as taking a good diet, exercise, meditation, and yoga. If you feel your symptoms are worsening and you are not able to control them, seek professional help.
Book a consultation at Brain Power Wellness Institute and regain your mental balance.
