2023-08-30 14:48:20
This disease doubles the risk of dementia, according to the study
In a current Study at the University of Pennsylvania, researchers examined the connection between the development of dementia and depression. According to the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, around 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. It is a mental illness that can present with symptoms such as persistent and deep sadness, loss of interest, decreased energy, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, trouble concentrating, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, and thoughts about death or suicide. This condition significantly affects a person’s daily life and ability to function.
According to study author Holly Elser, depression is not only an early symptom of dementia, but also influences the risk of dementia in old age. In the scientific study, Elser’s team of scientists compared the data of more than 1.4 million Danish adults between 1977 and 2018. Of these people, over 246,000 suffered from depression in the course of their lives. Within the study, the data from these were compared to those of people who never had the mental illness. The result: those with a depression diagnosis developed dementia almost two and a half times as often in old age. Men were affected more frequently than women. However, Elser emphasizes that more research is needed to identify factors that link depression in early adulthood to dementia in old age.
Prevent dementia with a healthy lifestyle
Taking care of your mental health and reducing stress, which can contribute to depression, can help reduce your risk of depression. In addition, a healthy lifestyle with sufficient exercise, a balanced diet, no smoking and low alcohol consumption, social contacts and mental activity can best prevent dementia.
Also interesting: Dementia: These are the most common causes of mental deterioration >>
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