Both major depressive disorder in remission (rMDD) as well as mild cognitive impairment (MCI) have the potential to elevate an individual’s susceptibility to dementia.Experts from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health suggest that utilizing a combination of two effective therapies could potentially slow down cognitive decline in older adults at higher risk.Researchers observed a decline, particularly among individuals with recurrent Major Depressive Disorder (rMDD) and those with a minimal genetic predisposition to Alzheimer’s disease.Estimates suggest that over 55 million individuals globally are affected by dementia, a chronic condition that has adverse effects on memory, focus, and cognitive abilities.Previous research has indicated that individuals with a history of major depressive disorder in remission (rMDD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) may be at a higher risk of developing dementia.Dr. Tarek Rajji, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at UT Southwestern Medical Center and former Senior Scientist at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health at the University of Toronto, emphasized the significance of slowing cognitive decline to uphold autonomy in daily activities and, ultimately, to stave off dementia in older adults, particularly those with a heightened susceptibility to its development, such as seniors with depression, as stated in an interview with Medical News Today.Rajji, the lead author of a recent study published in JAMA PsychiatryTrusted Source, has discovered that a combination therapy involving computerized memory and thinking exercises along with non-invasive mild electrical stimulation could potentially slow down cognitive decline in older adults at high risk. This treatment may be particularly beneficial for individuals with rMDD and those dealing with MCI, regardless of whether they have a low genetic risk for Alzheimers disease.
