Depression In Middle Age Linked To Dementia

May 16th, 2012

A new study, first reported by CNN, reveals that depression during middle age correlates with a greater chance of dementia in older age.

Researchers studied the medical records of 13,000 people that tracked the health history of people in their 40′s through their 80′s.  The results showed that people diagnosed with depression in their 40′s and 50′s had a 20% increase of developing dementia.

Researchers also found that the age of diagnosis of depression played a role in what types of dementia people were diagnosed with. For instance, those who were diagnosed with dementia later than age 50 were not only at an even higher risk of developing dementia than those diagnosed during their middle ages, but were also more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Those diagnosed during their middle ages showed a higher frequency of developing vascular dementia, the study found.

Researchers theorize the link to Alzheimer’s and depression later in life may be correlated with early symptom’s of Alzheimer’s, but the link between middle age depression and vascular dementia seems to show more of a cause and effect.

“Recurring depression over the life course seems to be triggering vascular changes that puts [people] at risk for vascular dementia,” says lead author Deborah E. Barnes, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychiatry at the University of California, San Francisco.

Although researchers admit a correlation seems to exist, they also admit the theory still needs more scientific testing and research to determine whether or not depression is a significant link to vascular changes that lead to dementia.

But the importance of the research is this: If there is truly a link to depression and dementia in middle age, could early treatments for depression lead to a decreased risk of developing dementia?

What do you think? Leave a comment below.

 

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May 13th – 19th is National Women’s Health Week

May 14th, 2012

The week of May 13th – 19th has been declared National Women’s Health Week by President Barack Obama. And now is as good as time as ever for women of all ages to focus on learning about health issues that affect them.

Did you know that heart disease and stroke are not only the most common diseases in men, but in women also? In fact, heart disease and stroke cause more deaths per year in women than all cancers combined.

Here are some facts, with help from Mayoclinic.com, about some of the biggest differences in heart disease risk factors in women and men, and tips for women on how to keep their heart healthy:

1. Stay In Shape:

It’s no secret that “apple shaped” men and women, or people with more fat around their abdomen, are at greater risk for dementia and heart problems. But according to the Mayo Clinic, women that are “apple shaped” are at an even greater risk for heart disease and stroke than men of similar body types. Your body shape tells a lot about your metabolism and your health, and the best way to change your shape is to stay in shape. Even light workouts (20-30 min of walking 3-5 days-a-week) can help improve your health!

2. Keep Your Mind in shape too:

Depression and Anxiety can have a large impact on not only your mental well-being, but your physical health as well. And studies have shown that depression in women have an even larger impact on their physical health than men. Exercise, getting in the sun, and keeping an active social life are easy fixes that can help keep your mind in the right mood. If you feel depression is preventing you from performing daily activities, talking to your doctor about treatments and options can help get your mind and body in better shape.

3. Quit Smoking:

Smoking affects people of all ages, races, and genders, and its negative effects on the human body are well-documented. But for women, they are at an even greater risk for heart disease and stroke as a result of smoking. Studies have shown that quitting smoking can have tremendous benefits to the body in as little as an hour, and every day  that you quit you are putting yourself at less of a chance of dying from heart disease and stroke!

Stay tuned to our blog this week for more tips and research focusing on the health of women of all ages, as we at Alliance Home Health Care help celebrate National Woman’s Health Week.

 

 

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