Depression
Late-life depression doubles dementia risk. Treatment with therapy or medication reduces both depression and cognitive decline.
Why it matters
Depression shrinks the hippocampus and reduces engagement in protective activities. Treating it addresses both problems.
What to ask at the checkup
Ask whether a depression screening is appropriate and what treatment options are available
Screening: PHQ-9 questionnaire
Sources
Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet Commission
Livingston G, Huntley J, Liu KY et al.. The Lancet, 2024.
Fourteen things people can change account for nearly half of dementia cases at the population level.
Depression and risk of developing dementia: a meta-analysis of prospective studies
Diniz BS, Butters MA, Albert SM et al.. British Journal of Psychiatry, 2013.
Depression in later life was linked to twice the dementia risk.
Routines for this factor
Ask how they are really doing
Sit down and ask how the day went, and listen without fixing.
10 min, difficulty 1/3
A ten-minute walk outside before noon
Step outside and walk for ten minutes before midday.
10 min, difficulty 1/3