24 Dec 2025 • Long-term data showed that select depressive symptoms in midlife—rather than depression overall—were linked to a higher risk of dementia later in life. Among 5,811 adults followed for a mean of 22.6 years, 10% developed dementia.

Six symptoms emerged as the strongest predictors:

• Loss of self-confidence (HR 1.51)
• Difficulty facing problems (HR 1.49)
• Reduced warmth or affection (HR 1.44)
• Persistent nervousness (HR 1.34)
• Dissatisfaction with task performance (HR 1.33)
• Impaired concentration (HR 1.29).

These associations persisted after accounting for APOE ε4 status, cardiometabolic disease, and lifestyle factors. The findings suggest that specific cognitive-emotional features in midlife may mark early neurodegenerative risk, with implications for earlier identification and monitoring.

Source: Science Direct | Read full story