Exploring the Link Between Mental Health, Depression, and Alzheimer's Disease

How Depression Affects Brain Health

Depression affects the structure and function of the brain profoundly; it is more than just a mood condition. Changes in the hippocampal region of the brain, which oversees memory and learning, can result from long-term depression, says Dr Gupta. He also says that long-term depressive patients tend to have a shrinking of this area, which affects cognitive function. Moreover, elevated cortisol levels in depression are connected to oxidative stress and inflammation, two conditions that are linked to damage to brain cells. Cortisol is a stress hormone. These alterations may eventually have a role in the onset of Alzheimer's.

The Link Between Depression and Alzheimer’s

Alzheimer's disease and depression have a complicated relationship. While some specialists think depression may be a prelude to Alzheimer's, others think it may be a cause of the illness itself. Although there is no direct link between depression and Alzheimer's disease, it is evident that maintaining mental health is essential to lowering the risk in general. Early treatment of depression can lessen its long-term consequences on the brain and lower the risk of cognitive deterioration.

Prevention Strategies

Taking a comprehensive approach to mental health is necessary to prevent Alzheimer's. It's critical to manage depression with medicine, therapy, and lifestyle modifications. Maintaining social ties, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity can all have a favourable effect on mental and cognitive health, says Dr Gupta. Brain-challenging pursuits like solving puzzles and picking up new abilities can help improve brain resilience.