Alzheimer’s, depression linked in study

Residents with mild cognitive impairment who also exhibit signs of depression could be at risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease more quickly than others do, according to new research.

Alzheimer’s disease has marked protein aggregates, including beta-amyloid and tau. "Our results clearly indicate that mild cognitively impaired subjects with depressive symptoms suffer from elevated amyloid levels when compared with non-depressed individuals," the study's principal scientist, Axel Rominger, MD, from the department of nuclear medicine at the University of Munich in Germany, told those attending the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging annual meeting.

The researchers arrived at their results using molecular imaging data from a global dementia imaging database.

"Therapeutic options for Alzheimer's disease are still limited and, therefore, the identification and understanding of contributing risk factors that influence the disease are crucial in ongoing research as they offer the possibilities for future medical intervention," said co-author and fellow researcher Matthias Brendel, PhD.

I Advance Senior Care

I Advance Senior Care is the industry-leading source for practical, in-depth, business-building, and resident care information for owners, executives, administrators, and directors of nursing at assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities, post-acute facilities, and continuing care retirement communities. The I Advance Senior Care editorial team and industry experts provide market analysis, strategic direction, policy commentary, clinical best-practices, business management, and technology breakthroughs.

I Advance Senior Care is part of the Institute for the Advancement of Senior Care and published by Plain-English Health Care.