These six symptoms of depression are linked to a higher risk of dementia

It has long been known that depression is linked to the risk of dementia, perhaps because of the isolation and lack of awareness of the emotions it affects.Research has identified six symptoms of depression that appear to be the most unusual.

These 6 symptoms of depression increase the risk of dementia

This article has been prepared and reviewed to ensure that the information is rigorous and meets quality standards.It is based on scientific studies that have their own validation process from specialized health journals, reliable sources that are opinion leaders for Scientific Societies, Professional Associations, Universities and Hospitals, etc.

It has long been known that stress is associated with an increased risk of dementia, perhaps due to social isolation and lack of mental stimulation.Research has identified six symptoms of stress that appear to increase difficulty.

Updated: Tue, 16 Dec 2025 11:20:48 CET The key to prevention is identifying factors that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease or other dementias.Suffering from depression in middle age (ages 45 to 69) is one condition that appears to be behind this increased risk, but it's not yet clear to what extent.

Moreover, this link is in all neurological diseases.The link with the Spanish community (s) is a menu in the same size.Sometimes this disease is a consequence, and in other ways, before it becomes a problem.

According to data from SEN, "People with depression are twice as likely to get sick compared to people without a history of depression."In addition, the risk "is greater in patients with a history of major depression."In fact, some studies "estimate that up to 10% of Alzheimer's cases each year may be related to stress."

With all this in mind, SEN asks: "Could effective control of depression prevent the onset of some neurological diseases? This question cannot yet be definitively answered, although "this is something that current research is increasingly pointing to."In any case, "good mental health will always be part of good brain health."

Depressive symptoms associated with dementia

A study published in Lancet Psychiatry goes a little further and suggests that we talk about specific symptoms of depression that are associated with a greater risk of dementia.These include:

- Loss of confidence.

- Inability to face problems.

- Does not feel affection for others.

- I feel nervous and stressed all the time.

- Dissatisfaction with the way tasks are performed.

- Difficulty concentrating.

The results of the study showed that participants who were classified as middle-aged depression (those who suffered from 5 or more of the 6 defined symptoms) had a higher risk of developing dementia later in life.

The study authors believe that focusing on these six symptoms when treating people with depression in middle age may reduce the risk of developing dementia later in life.However, they point out that their hypothesis is not definitive and further studies are needed.

On the other hand, this analysis does not clarify the reasons for the relationship between depression and dementia, but the researchers point out that symptoms such as lack of self-confidence, difficulty coping with problems and lack of concentration may lead to less social participation and less cognitively stimulating experiences.These two aspects are important for maintaining cognitive reserve, that is, the ability of the brain to overcome damage or disease, which allows memory and other cognitive functions to be maintained even after brain injury.

Tips to prevent dementia

The Pascal Maragal Foundation offers the following recommendations for preventing dementia on its blog:

- Control of cardiovascular risk factors: cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking.

- Dieta equilibrada: llevar una dieta variada y equilibrada, como la dieta mediterránea, que incluya alimentos como aceite de oliva virgen extra, legumbres, frutos secos, fruta, verdura, pescado…

Exercise: Walking and being active are essential.Always adapt activities to human characteristics.

- Active mind: challenging the mind helps maintain our understanding, learn new ideas, puzzles, reading, signing up for workshops or courses...

- Social life: interacting with other people helps keep our neutral connections active and vital to our health.