Accelerated biological brain aging in major depressive disorder
Eng Han How1, Shar-Maine Chin1, Chuin Hau Teo1
165210 Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia , Jalan Lagoon Selatan, Bandar Sunway, 47500, Selangor, Malaysia.
Reviews in the Neurosciences
|July 13, 2024
Summary
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is linked to accelerated biological brain aging, showing similar structural changes and functional connectivity impairments as natural aging. This review highlights brain aging markers in MDD for future research.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with functional disabilities and increased risks of brain atrophy, aging-related diseases, and mortality.
- Recent studies indicate correlations between biological brain aging and MDD in adults, though underlying mechanisms are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current brain imaging data on similarities between brain structural changes in MDD and age-associated processes.
- To provide evidence on brain age gap estimates (BrainAGE/BrainPAD) in MDD and associated abnormalities.
Main Methods:
- Review of brain imaging studies examining structural brain aging, functional connectivity, and cognitive function in MDD.
- Analysis of data on BrainAGE or BrainPAD scores in MDD patients.
Main Results:
- Similarities observed between brain structural changes in MDD and age-associated processes.
- Evidence of altered BrainAGE/BrainPAD scores, structural abnormalities, and functional connectivity in MDD, mirroring aging.
Conclusions:
- Brain aging markers are relevant in MDD, suggesting shared underlying mechanisms with natural aging.
- This review provides a reference for future research into diagnostic, preventive, and therapeutic strategies for brain aging in MDD.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Depression: Overview
237
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
237
01:26Aging
41
Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
41
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
461
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
461
01:03Long-term Depression
2.5K
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over...
2.5K
01:29Biological Causes of Schizophrenia
54
Schizophrenia, a severe psychiatric disorder, arises from a complex interplay of biological factors, including genetic predisposition, structural brain abnormalities, neurotransmitter dysregulation, and developmental irregularities. These factors collectively contribute to the onset and progression of the disorder, which typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood.
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
Genetic Factors in Schizophrenia
The genetic basis of schizophrenia is strongly supported by family and twin...
54
01:23Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents
215
Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
215