A new study has found those with memory problems who are depressed are more likely to develop Alzheimers disease than those who show no symptoms of depression.
The research conducted by UCLA scientists followed 756 people between the ages of 55 and 91 for three years who had mild cognitive impairment. A total of 208 were diagnosed with depression using a test that measures the severity and intensity of depressive symptoms, and the investigators noticed that for every one-point increase on the test, the risk of developing Alzheimers went up by 3 percent.
“Our longer-term findings add to the body of evidence that suggests depression is a major risk factor for Alzheimers disease,” says Po H. Lu, an assistant professor of neurology and a member of the UCLA Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimers Disease Research.
While there are many treatments available for depression and anxiety, health practitioners have recommended natural remedies such as St. Johns wort extract to combat sadness, worry, nervousness and insomnia.
Meanwhile, nutritional supplements with ginkgo biloba have been shown to help boost memory. 