Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 17, 2026
A Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion Technique for Inducing Post-stroke Depression in Rats
Published on: May 22, 2019
Relation of C-reactive protein to stroke, cognitive disorders, and depression in the general population: systematic
Hsu-Ko Kuo1, Chung-Jen Yen, Chia-Hsuin Chang
1Division of Gerontology Research, National Health Research Institutes, Taipei, Taiwan.
Insights
High C-reactive protein (CRP) levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk, stroke, and cognitive decline. Further prospective research is needed to understand the link between CRP and depression.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Epidemiology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is linked to cardiovascular disease, cognitive disorders, and depression.
- Population-based studies on CRP associations require systematic review.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review associations between CRP and stroke, cognitive impairment, and depression in the general population.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of 19 eligible population-based studies.
- Studies focused on CRP and stroke (7), cognitive disorders (6), and depression (6).
- Excluded hospital or clinic-based studies.
Main Results:
- Elevated CRP concentrations correlate with stroke history and increased incident stroke risk.
- Meta-analysis revealed a ~70% higher stroke risk in healthy individuals with highest CRP quartile.
- High CRP predicts cognitive decline and dementia.
Conclusions:
- High CRP concentrations are associated with elevated risks of stroke and cognitive impairment.
- The relationship between CRP and depression requires further prospective investigation.
Abstract:
Evidence suggests that a high concentration of C-reactive protein (CRP) is a cardiovascular risk factor and an important correlate of cognitive disorders and depression. Recently, population-based studies examining the association between CRP and stroke, cognitive impairment, or depression have been done but have not yet been systematically reviewed. Here we present a systematic review of the associations between CRP and stroke, cognitive impairment, and depression. Hospital or clinic-based studies were excluded because the inferences might not be easily applicable to the general population. 19 eligible studies of CRP were selected: seven for stroke, six for cognitive disorders, and six for depression. Raised CRP concentrations were associated with history of stroke and increased risk of incident stroke. Meta-analysis of studies with long follow-up (>8 years) showed that the risk for stroke in healthy individuals with the highest quartile of CRP concentrations increased nearly 70% compared to those with the lowest quartile. High concentrations of CRP were predictive of cognitive decline and dementia. The relations of CRP to depression were all cross-sectional and were not consistent. We conclude that high concentrations of CRP are associated with increased risk of stroke and cognitive impairment. The association between CRP and depression should be studied prospectively.
