Depression and Alzheimer disease: a risk factor or a prodrome

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Abstract

Background
The number of elderly individuals in the population is steadily increasing. One of the well known problems in the elderly is cognitive impairment. Alzheimer disease is the most common cause of cognitive impairment. Another health problem in this age group that can present with cognitive impairment is depression. Several controversies exist regarding the relationship between depression and Alzheimer disease.
Aim
This work aims at studying whether depression can be a risk factor for future development of Alzheimer disease.
Patients and methods
Twenty patients with Alzheimer disease in the outpatient clinic were asked about their history of depression and the presence of depression at the onset of illness.
Results
One unmarried woman (5%) had a history of depression. Seven patients (35%) had depression at the onset of illness.
Conclusion
The current study supports the hypothesis that depressed mood is not a risk factor for future development of Alzheimer disease. Further studies are needed to assess the relationship between cognitive symptoms of depression and future development of Alzheimer disease.

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