Grant: Project Grant

Depression in later life is associated with an approximately two-fold increased risk of Alzheimer's dementia but the reasons for this are not fully understood. Given that approximately 10% of the older adult population have significant depression at any point in time and are therefore at increased risk of dementia, increased understanding of risk factors will be critical to reduce risk of dementia in this vulnerable population. We aim to use data from large databases to gain a greater understanding of why older adults with depression have an increased risk of Alzheimer's dementia. We will also explore whether depression which is more common in women helps to explain why Alzheimer's is also more common in women. We will focus specifically upon modifiable risk factors that could be treated and potentially lead to improved health & independence in old age. We will pay particular attention to how these risk factors vary between males and females. We expect that improved understanding of these risk factors will then inform targeted and rationally based preventive interventions to reduce risk of Alzheimer's dementia in this vulnerable group.