White matter lesions in the elderly increases the risk of major depression five years later

• Objective To study the association between ischemic white matter lesions (WMLs) and major depressive episode (MDE) in a population-based sample followed for five years. Methods A randomized sample of non-demented elderly was investigated in 2000-2001 and in 2005-2006 with psychiatric and physical examinations. Among those who participated at baseline (n=914), 813 were alive in 2005 and 681 (84%) took part in the follow-up examination. A computerized tomography (CT) of the head was done on 462 individuals aged 70-86 years at baseline. Women (n=329) were stratified into two age-groups, 70- (n=196) and 78-86-year olds (n=133). WMLs were rated from 0 (none) to 3 (severe). Results The prevalence of MDE was lower in 2000 (3.6%; n=12/329) than in 2005 (7.3%; n=24/329). Moderate to severe WMLs were present in 11.6% (n=38/329). In 70-year old women, WMLs detected in 2000 were associated with an increased risk of having MDE in 2005 (OR=6.98; CI=2.06-23.67; p=0.002). WMLs were not associated with MDE in 2000 or with MDE in those older than 70-years at baseline. Conclusion WMLs in 70-year old women were associated with an increased risk of MDE five years later.

Subject headings

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Publication and Content Type

vet (subject category)

kon (subject category)