Late-life Depression and Alzheimer Disease: A Potential Synergy of the Underlying Mechanisms

Curr Med Chem. 2018;25(39):5389-5394. doi: 10.2174/0929867323666160902152829.

Abstract

A number of biological and clinical characteristics typical of late life depression (LLD) have been suggested by recent research findings. The close association of LLD with cognitive impairment is now well documented and evidenced. However, it is still not clear whether it is depression that leads to cognitive decline, and in more severe cases, to dementia. The work presented in this review article suggests that depression and dementia frequently and strongly copresent, even if the causality remains largely opaque.

Keywords: Aging; Alzheimer disease; BDNF late-life depression; dementia; depression..

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Alzheimer Disease / complications
  • Alzheimer Disease / metabolism
  • Alzheimer Disease / pathology*
  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
  • Cytokines / metabolism
  • Depression / complications
  • Depression / epidemiology
  • Depression / pathology*
  • Glucocorticoids / blood
  • Glucocorticoids / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / etiology
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Pituitary-Adrenal System / metabolism
  • Prefrontal Cortex / metabolism
  • Receptors, Estrogen / metabolism

Substances

  • Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
  • Cytokines
  • Glucocorticoids
  • Receptors, Estrogen