Depression
Late-life depression raises dementia risk by about 85 percent, and vascular dementia risk by two and a half times.
One analysis that pools the results of many studies, so no single odd result can carry the conclusion.
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
Late-life depression and risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer's disease: systematic review and meta-analysis of community-based cohort studies
Diniz BS, Butters MA, Albert SM et al.. British Journal of Psychiatry, 2013.
Depression in later life raised dementia risk by about 85 percent, and vascular dementia risk by more than double.
Dementia prevention, intervention, and care: 2024 report of the Lancet standing 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.
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
This is research information, not medical advice. Nothing here replaces your parent's doctor.