Could Depression After 40 Signal Early Dementia?
New research suggests that mood disorders developing later in life—such as depression, mania, or bipolar disorder—may be early signs of neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. A recent study found elevated levels of beta-amyloid and tau proteins in the brains of individuals with late-life mood disorders (LLMDs), often years before any cognitive symptoms appear. This growing body of evidence highlights the potential for mood changes to serve as early clinical markers for dementia, underscoring the importance of early recognition and monitoring.
Key Findings:
Adults with LLMDs had significantly higher levels of beta-amyloid and tau proteins, hallmarks of Alzheimer’s.
In a PET imaging study, ~50% of LLMD patients had abnormal tau levels vs. ~15% of controls.
29% of LLMD patients showed amyloid buildup vs. 2% of controls.
Autopsy data revealed these protein markers could be present 7+ years before dementia symptoms.
Read the full article to explore how this research could change the way we detect and address cognitive decline.
