🧠 Temporal dynamics in the association between depression and dementia: an umbrella review and meta-analysis

Depression in midlife and later years may increase the risk of dementia, highlighting mental health as a modifiable risk factor.

Published In: eClinicalMedicine
Date: 2025
Authors: Brain et al.
Link to Study: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103266

Summary
This umbrella review and meta-analysis investigated how the timing of depression—whether in midlife or late life—affects the risk of developing dementia. The findings revealed that both midlife and late-life depression are linked to an increased risk of all-cause dementia, with late-life depression showing a stronger association. This suggests that treating depression early and throughout life may help lower dementia risk.

Key Takeaways
✅ Depression in late life is associated with nearly double the risk of developing dementia.
✅ Depression in midlife is linked to a 56% increased risk of dementia.
✅ The closer depression occurs to dementia onset, the stronger the association, possibly reflecting early signs of dementia.
✅ Findings support a life course approach to mental health care as part of dementia prevention.
✅ Scaling up mental health services, especially in primary care for older adults, could help mitigate dementia risk.

Why It Matters for You
Prioritizing mental health, especially recognizing and treating depression in midlife and beyond, may be a powerful step to protect your brain health and reduce the risk of dementia later in life.

Citation
Brain, J., Alshahrani, M., Kafadar, A.H., et al. (2025). Temporal dynamics in the association between depression and dementia: an umbrella review and meta-analysis. eClinicalMedicine, Article 103266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eclinm.2025.103266