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Vascular brain disease and depression in the elderly
M Arfan Ikram1, Hendrika J Luijendijk, Meike W Vernooij
1Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Epidemiology (Cambridge, Mass.)
|December 17, 2009
Summary
Vascular brain disease markers were linked to depression at one point in time. However, a long-term study found no connection between these brain changes and the future risk of developing depression.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Cross-sectional studies suggest a link between vascular brain disease and depression.
- Longitudinal data examining this relationship are limited.
- This study investigates the association cross-sectionally and longitudinally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationship between markers of vascular brain disease and depression.
- To determine if brain atrophy, white matter lesions, or infarcts predict incident depression.
Main Methods:
- Brain MRI scans were performed on 479 individuals aged 60-90 years.
- Vascular brain disease markers (atrophy, white matter lesions, infarcts) were assessed.
- Depressive symptoms and syndromes were evaluated at baseline and follow-up using validated scales and interviews.
Main Results:
- At baseline, vascular brain disease markers were associated with the presence of depressive symptoms.
- During the follow-up period, 92 individuals developed depressive symptoms, and 35 had depressive syndromes.
- No association was found between MRI markers of vascular brain disease and the incidence of depressive symptoms or syndromes.
Conclusions:
- Vascular brain disease markers showed a cross-sectional association with depression.
- Longitudinal assessment revealed no relationship between vascular brain disease markers and the risk of developing depression.
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