“Having depression may nearly double the risk of developing dementia later in life,” reported BBC news. It said that a 17-year study of nearly 1,000 elderly people, found that 22% of those who were depressed at the start went on to develop dementia, compared with 17% of those who were not depressed.
This is a well-designed study and was accurately reported by the BBC. It has several strengths and adds to the evidence of a link between the two conditions.
However, as the researchers say, this does not necessarily mean that depression causes dementia and the reason for the association between the two conditions is still unclear. It is unknown if depression is a risk factor for dementia, whether it is an early sign of cognitive decline or if certain changes in the brain are associated with both conditions. Also, certain lifestyle factors not measured by this study, such as poor diet, lack of physical activity and social interaction, may increase the risk of both depression and dementia.
Importantly, this study was in elderly people (average 79 years) and it is unknown if depression earlier in life would be associated with dementia in the same way. Further research is needed.
Where did the story come from?The study was carried out by researchers from the University of Massachusetts in Worcester, and Boston University in the US. It was funded by the US National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, the National Institute on Aging and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The study was published in the (peer-reviewed) medical journal Neurology.
The study was accurately reported on by the BBC, which was careful to explain that depression had not been proved to be a cause of dementia and that more research was needed to find out why the two conditions are linked. However, although the BBC mentions that the study was in elderly people, its story could be taken to imply that depression at any age is associated with dementia later. This study did not look at whether depression earlier in life is associated with later dementia.
The BBC also reported on another paper published in the same journal that found that the more times someone experienced depression, the higher their risk of dementia. This paper is not examined in this appraisal.
Cohort studies are useful for looking at potential risk factors for conditions because they are able to follow large groups of people for many years and to assess how certain events (in this case, depression) might impact their health later. As a prospective study, its results are more reliable than a retrospective study. This is because it tracks people forward in time and can establish any relevant information at the start of the study, as opposed to relying on previous medical records or personal recall. There is also added strength in that it ensured that participants were free from cognitive impairment at the time their depression was assessed.
The researchers point out that some, but not all previous studies have indicated a link between depression and cognitive impairment or dementia. Their research aimed to examine this possible association further over a longer follow-up period than previously achieved.
What did the research involve?This particular study began in 1990, when 1,166 members of the original Framingham cohort attended for assessment. A total of 949 attendees were identified to be free of dementia and were included in the study. Of these, about 64% were women and the average age was 79 years.
The participants were assessed for depressive symptoms, using a validated depression scale that has a score ranging from 0-60, with higher scores reflecting greater depressive symptoms. Based on established guidelines, a score of 16 or over was used to define depression. The researchers also recorded who was taking drug treatment for depression. Of the 949 participants, 125 (13.2%) were classified as depressed and a further 39 (4.1%) were taking anti-depressant medication.
The researchers followed up this group for up to 17 years (average follow up was eight years). Those participants that developed dementia were identified using regular examinations every two years. For this, a well-established questionnaire was used to screen for cognitive impairment, together with other relevant findings from the primary care physicians, medical records, observations from clinic staff and personal observations from the participant and their family. Those with possible dementia had further neurological tests and reviewed by a panel of specialists. Diagnoses of dementia were made using a validated diagnostic tool, and further assessments for Alzheimer’s disease made using established criteria.
The researchers used validated statistical methods to analyse any potential link between depression at the beginning of the study and the subsequent development of dementia. Their analyses also took into account many things that can affect the risk of dementia including age, sex, education, smoking habits, history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes and other relevant conditions.
What were the basic results?During the 17-year follow up, 164 participants developed dementia and 136 of these had. A total of 21.6% of participants assessed as depressed at the start of the study went on to develop dementia, compared with 16.6% of those who were not depressed.
Overall, a total 21.6% of depressed participants developed dementia compared to 16.6% of non-depressed participants. This was equivalent to a 72% increased risk of dementia if the person had depression (Hazard ratio [HR] 1.72, 95%, Confidence interval [CI] 1.04-2.84).
For each 10-point increase in depressive symptoms there was a 46% increase in the risk of dementia (HR 1.46, 95% CI 1.18-1.79) and a 39% increase in risk of Alzheimer’s disease (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.11-1.75).
When the figures were further adjusted to take account of vascular risk factors such as stroke and diabetes, depressed participants were found to have double the risk of dementia (HR 2.01, 95% CI 1.20-3.31).
How did the researchers interpret the results?The researchers say that their findings support previous studies that have suggested depression is a risk factor for dementia and Alzheimer’s.
