Depression, Alzheimer's, and what you can do to beat the odds

Now here’s something to chew on. Did you know that scientists have discovered a link between depression and the future onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease (AD)?

It’s true. And much literature is available showing the increased risk of developing dementia if one also has experienced unipolar or bipolar affective disorders. Researchers have found an increased incidence of dementia in patients who had been diagnosed with major depression (MD) within 5 years before the onset of AD. These findings indicate that both MD and AD share a common neurobiological defect which causes similar cognitive decline in both illnesses. Studies also show a strong correlation between the onset of AD and an initial depressive episode occurring 25 years earlier. Twenty five years earlier.

So there you have it. Depression may be a risk factor to the eventual development of AD. Why am I sharing this unfortunate tidbit with you? Well, the good news is that there are certain lifestyle factors within our control that we can commit to now in order to avoid struggling with these illnesses.

Diet: Studies show that incorporating healthy nutritional habits – such as eating a vegetarian or Mediterranean diet rich in whole grains, fresh fruit, vegetables, fish, nuts, seeds, and olive oil – can slow the progression of mental function decline. Oral supplementation with Coenzyme Q, and other antioxidant-rich foods containing vitamins C and E, betacarotene, and Omega-3 may help restore brain molecules that have had oxidative damage. Foods rich in folic acid, and vitamins B6 and B12, help decrease homocysteine levels.

Exercise: Studies show that having an active lifestyle, including regular physical exercise and cognitive stimulation (Sudoku, reading, Crosswords, taking up a new instrument) may delay the onset of AD by preventing associated illnesses like depression, diabetes, strokes and heart disease. Such activities help normalize blood pressure, blood cholesterol and weight by improving cerebral blood flow and stimulating neuronal growth, factors which have been shown to delay the onset of disability. Exercise also regulates hormone cortisol levels; this stress hormone is responsible for hippocampal damage and weakened immune functioning in patients with AD. Cognitive exercises help preserve mental agility and executive function, delaying the onset of dementia.

What if you are currently struggling with a depressive episode? The simple answer is for you to seek professional help now to ensure you are receiving the appropriate treatment for your mood disorder. Visit your family doctor, get a referral to a psychiatrist, and seek psychological counselling now with a licensed therapist. Doing so can only help you – not only in the long run, but in the short run too. After all, it’s no fun struggling with the serious medical condition that is depression. In fact, it’s downright depressing.





For further information:
Canadian Mental Health Association
Depression Hurts
Diet and Depression
On Memory
Brain Booster
 

Other Sources:
Carpenter, B., Strauss, M., & Kennedy, J. (1995). Personal history of depression and its appearance in Alzheimer’s disease. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 10(8), 669-678.

Green, R.C., Cupples, L.A., Kurz A., Auerbach,, S., Go, R., Sadovnick, D., et al. (2003). Depression as a risk factor for Alzheimer disease. Archives of Neurology, 60(5), 753–759.

Heun, R., Kockler, M., & Ptok, U. (2002). Depression in Alzheimer’s disease: is there a temporal relationship between the onset of depression and the onset of dementia?. European Psychiatry, 17(5), 254.

Kasahara, H., Tsumura, M., Ochiai, Y., Furukawa, H., Aoki, K., Ito, T., et al. (2006). Consideration of the relationship between depression and dementia. Psychogeriatrics, 6(3), 128-133.

Kessing, L.V., Nilsson, F.M. (2003). Increased risk of developing dementia in patients with major affective disorders compared to patients with other medical illnesses. Journal of Affective Disorders, 73(3), 261-269. Retrieved from http://www.jad-journal.com/article/S0165-0327%2802%2900004-6/pdf

Ownby, R.L., Crocco, E., Acevedo, A., John, V., & Loewenstein, D. (2006). Depression and risk for Alzheimer Disease: Systematic review, meta-analysis, and metaregression analysis. Archives of General Psychiatry, 63, 530-538. Retrieved from http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/63/5/530

Verkaik, R., Nuyen, J., Schellevis, F., & Francke, A. (2007). The relationship between severity of Alzheimer's disease and prevalence of comorbid depressive symptoms and depression: a systematic review. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 22(11), 1063-1086. doi:10.1002/gps.1809



The above information is for informational purposes only, and is not meant to be a substitute for seeking individual medical or psychological advice and treatment.

In Bliss,
Coach Sandy
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