うつ病・双極性障害と認知症

Depression and Bipolar Disorder: Risk Factors and Potential Prevention of Developing Dementia

うつ病や双極性障害が認知症の危険因子であることは多くの疫学的調査によって示されているが，その生物学的背景には脳血管障害やグルココルチコイドなどが関係しあった機序があると推察される。うつ病や双極性障害の発症や再発を予防することで一部の認知症の発症を抑制・遅延できると考えられるが，食生活や運動などの見直しのほか，最近は抗うつ薬やリチウムの認知症予防効果の可能性が示唆され，今後の介入研究が期待される。

Abstract

Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that suffering from depression and bipolar disorder may be risk factors for developing dementia. A mechanism of interactions of several factors, such as vascular disease and glucocorticoid, has been speculated to play a role in the development of dementia. It is suggested that the onset of dementia can be prevented or delayed by preventing the onset and recurrence of depression and bipolar disorder. In the prevent of depression, the management of daily life, such as diet and exercise, is important. Recently, the possibility of preventive effects of antidepressants and lithium on developing dementia has been suggested, and a future intervention study is expected.