A recent study identified six specific depressive symptoms that, when present in middle age, are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia later in life. The study highlights the importance of identifying and managing persistent depressive symptoms as part of strategies to support long-term brain health.
Researchers are still unclear about the exact cause of dementia. However, research has identified several risk factors, including genetics, lifestyle, and mental well-being. Recent studies suggest that depression in midlife, particularly certain depressive symptoms, may be linked to a higher risk of cognitive decline later in life, highlighting a closer connection between mood disorders and brain health.
Some experiences often dismissed as normal midlife struggles, such as loss of confidence or difficulty concentrating, may actually signal underlying depression rather than routine aging or stress. Recognizing and addressing these symptoms early may support both mental well-being and long-term cognitive health.
Some experiences often dismissed as normal midlife struggles, such as loss of confidence or difficulty concentrating, may actually signal underlying depression rather than routine aging or stress. According to research, depression increases the risk of developing dementia later in life [1].
Recently, a study from University College London has reported that six distinct depressive symptoms may be the cause of an elevated risk of dementia in later life when they occur in midlife. The journal Lancet Psychiatry published the findings [2].
Depression increased the risk of dementia by 27%
The study involved nearly 6,000 middle-aged British government workers, with an average age of 55, from the Whitehall II study, which began in 1985.
All participants received a questionnaire that listed 30 distinct depressive symptoms and asked them to indicate whether and how frequently they had experienced each symptom in the previous two weeks.
Using national health registries, the researchers tracked participants for the next 23 years and recorded dementia diagnoses until 2023. The lengthy follow-up period enabled researchers to investigate mood changes, which frequently appear long before typical dementia-related symptoms such as memory loss appear.
Over the two decades plus of follow-up, almost 10% of patients developed dementia.
After adjusting for variables that could influence dementia risk, such as age and gender, the researchers discovered that those classed as depressive (those reporting five or more symptoms) had a 27% increased risk of developing dementia.
6 Specific Depression Symptoms Related to Later Dementia
Based on participant answers to the questionnaire, the study also found a correlation between six particular depression symptoms and a subsequent dementia diagnosis [2]:
- Losing confidence in oneself
- Not able to face up to problems
- Nervous and strung-up all the time
- Difficulties concentrating
- Not satisfied with the way tasks are carried out
- Not feeling warmth and affection for others
According to the researchers, these symptoms fully accounted for the association between midlife depression and dementia risk in persons under the age of 60, and they were independent of dementia risk variables such as lifestyle, cardiometabolic diseases, and apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 (APOE ε4) status.
The mechanisms underlying these particular symptoms remain unclear. Researchers suggested that behavioral and reserve-related mechanisms may be involved, as the six symptoms of depression were consistently associated with established risk factors for dementia at baseline, including physical inactivity and hearing loss.
Loss of confidence and coping issues may increase dementia risk by about 50%
Upon further analysis, researchers discovered that two of the six signs of depression, difficulty coping with issues and loss of self-confidence, were associated with an approximately 50% higher risk of dementia.
According to the researchers, this finding is significant since it demonstrates that some symptoms contain considerably more information concerning dementia risk than others.
These symptoms seem to be crucial early indicators of long-term dementia risk, occurring before a dementia diagnosis is made. This could also help explain why earlier research on dementia and depression has shown mixed results, with many seeing depression as a straightforward “yes or no” diagnosis. The study emphasizes the need to go beyond diagnosis to specific symptom patterns.
According to Dr. Frank, these findings could help clinicians shift away from broad labeling and toward more in-depth discussions about particular symptoms.
He explained that the study showed not all individuals experiencing depression in midlife have an increased risk of developing dementia later in life; instead, the heightened risk appears to be associated with specific symptoms.
In addition to reassuring patients that not everyone with depression is at higher risk of dementia, focusing on factors like confidence, coping, and social engagement opens the door to helpful, practical advice regarding mental and brain health.
Low mood and sleep problems were not associated with a later risk of dementia.
The symptoms that did not seem to affect future cognitive deterioration were a little unexpected.
Significantly, low mood or sleep disturbances, two of the most prevalent symptoms in both the study and standard clinical practice, were not linked to an increased risk of dementia, according to Dr. Frank.
Limitations of the study
These are depressive symptoms, but they are not necessarily indicative of a depression diagnosis, and the time frame is relatively limited.
The findings may not apply to women or individuals of other races and ethnicities, as the majority of participants were white men. Despite sex being a factor in the investigation, the researchers did not provide gender-specific results. The authors emphasized the need for broader and more diverse research to determine if these trends appear differently in individuals beyond white men.
Chronic Depression May Affect the Brain via Increased Stress Hormones and Inflammation.
Scientists cannot fully explain the association between depression and dementia. According to earlier studies, depression may be a precursor symptom (an early indication of cognitive deterioration), a risk factor for dementia, or both.
Increased inflammation, stress hormone changes, vascular damage, and decreased brain plasticity (the brain’s capacity to learn and adapt) have all been linked to long-term biological changes that may have an impact on brain health.
However, years before memory loss, subtle issues with motivation, mood, or focus may be the first signs of early brain alterations that eventually result in dementia [3].
How can people prevent dementia?
Frank stated that for anyone experiencing the symptoms indicated in the study, psychological treatment and antidepressants may provide some brain protection. However, more research is required to understand how such treatments affect long-term dementia risk.
Improved depression symptoms may also help a person make lifestyle adjustments that benefit brain health. Increased self-confidence, for example, may help a person become more social and engage in more activities that stimulate thinking, allowing them to preserve their cognitive reserve, according to the study’s authors.
Cognitive reserve (or brain resilience) refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and find new ways to function in response to damage or disease. Experts suggest that cognitive reserves are developed throughout life by engaging in learning, maintaining curiosity, and participating in mentally stimulating activities.
A person with a high cognitive reserve may be able to preserve normal brain function even if they encounter neurological abnormalities associated with dementia [4].
Alzheimer’s Research Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping caregivers of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. We provide the latest information and news about the illness and helpful tips to help caregivers cope with their daily caregiving challenges. We realize the most important thing that a caregiver needs is financial assistance. Therefore, we provide grants to caregivers to ease their financial burden. Caregivers can apply for grants here: Alzheimer’s Grant Application.
You can also help caregivers in their endeavor by donating as much as possible: Donation To Alzheimer’s Research Associations.
References
- Santabarbara, J., Villagrasa, B. and Gracia-Garcia, P., 2020. Does depression increase the risk of dementia? Updated meta-analysis of prospective studies. Actas Españolas de Psiquiatría, 48(4), pp.169-180.
- Frank, P., Singh-Manoux, A., Pentti, J., Batty, G.D., Sommerlad, A., Steptoe, A., Livingston, G., Howard, R. and Kivimäki, M., 2025. Specific midlife depressive symptoms and long-term dementia risk: a 23-year UK prospective cohort study. The Lancet Psychiatry.
- Fernández Fernández, R., Martín, J.I. and Antón, M.A.M., 2024. Depression as a risk factor for dementia: a meta-analysis. The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences, 36(2), pp.101-109.
- Liu, Y., Lu, G., Liu, L., He, Y. and Gong, W., 2024. Cognitive reserve over the life course and risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in aging neuroscience, 16, p.1358992.
- Upham, B. 6 Depression Symptoms Linked to Increased Dementia Risk. Everyday Health. https://www.everydayhealth.com/neurological-disorders/can-specific-depression-symptoms-increase-dementia-risk/. Published Online: 16th December, 2025. Accessed: 4th February, 2026.
- Pelc, C. 6 depression symptoms in midlife linked to almost 50% higher dementia risk. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/6-depression-symptoms-in-midlife-linked-to-almost-50-higher-dementia-risk. Published Online: 21st December, 2025. Accessed: 4th February, 2026.
- Rhoades, A. Six depressive symptoms during midlife raise dementia risk. Healio. https://www.healio.com/news/primary-care/20260112/six-depressive-symptoms-during-midlife-raise-dementia-risk. Published Online: 12th January, 2026. Accessed: 4th February, 2026.
- 6 Symptoms of Depression That May Raise Your Alzheimer’s Risk. Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation. https://www.alzinfo.org/articles/diagnosis/6-symptoms-of-depression-that-may-raise-your-alzheimers-risk/. Published Online: 24th December, 2025. Accessed: 4th February, 2026.
