Depression as a Risk Factor for Dementia: A Meta-Analysis
What is it about?
Dementia is a syndrome characterized by the deterioration of cognitive function beyond what is expected. Modifiable risk factors, such as depressive episodes, have become a subject of significant interest. The objective of this study was to comprehensively review scientific evidence on this topic through a bibliographic search of the PubMed and PsycInfo databases. The search focused on articles that analyzed the potential relationship between the presence of depression and the subsequent risk of dementia. The 26 selected studies resulted in a sample comprising 1,760,262 individuals and statistical analysis revealed that past or present depression appears to nearly double the risk of developing dementia (relative risk of 1.82; 95% CI=1.62–2.06).
Why is it important?
Understanding the risk factors associated with a disease is crucial information for exploring the underlying mechanisms of the disease's development.