In the past decade, mental health has become more of a mainstream conversation in our society with many efforts being made to reduce its stigma. Late-life depression (LLD) is characterized as a major depressive disorder in older individuals (60+) and is associated with poorer quality of life, impaired ability to do activities, and increased frailty. Previous research has suggested that cells that stop renewing (cellular senescence) could be a factor that contributes to LLD. A study from the University of Connecticut looked at the link between aging and LLD to further investigate this proposed link.
The researchers conducted their study with 426 individuals diagnosed with LLD and looked at 22 different proteins associated with cellular senescence and aging. These markers for cellular senescence were measured in relation to both age and sex. From this screening, the researchers found no connection between the severity of an individual’s depression and cellular senescence or accelerated aging. However, they did find three different connections to increased cellular senescence: cognitive functioning, cardiovascular health, and blood pressure.
Late-life depression is associated with accelerated aging, poorer quality of life, and greater health complications in individuals 60+.
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The researchers found that increased aging was associated with poorer cardiovascular health, higher blood pressure, high cholesterol, and lower cognitive functioning. This information matches the medical records of the participants that were significant for having multiple medical complications that could further decrease their quality of life. From this study, the researchers concluded that markers for aging and cellular senescence are more closely linked with physical health and cognitive functioning rather than aspects of mental health like anxiety and depression. The researchers concluded that although individuals with LLD are aging at a more rapid rate, this accelerated aging is not worsening depressive symptoms.
This study showcases that more research is needed to better understand not just LLD but how LLD impacts the health and aging process of older individuals. Working to understand the link between aging and LLD can hopefully create better patient outcomes or even attempt to change medical management to be more direct and targeted in the future.
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