Lucy E Stirland , Sarah Gregory, Tom C Russ, Craig W Ritchie, Graciela Muniz-Terrera
Journal of Comorbidity. 2020
10.1177/1471301218789307
Summary
There is evidence to suggest that brain health is associated with multimorbidity, polypharmacy, depression and anxiety. This study aimed to investigate the interactions between these four-potential dementia-risk factors (depression, anxiety, multimorbidity and polypharmacy) at mid-life.
By analysing data from our London site’s baseline measures, we discovered that having more chronic physical conditions (multimorbidity) was associated with both depression and anxiety in midlife. However, taking more medications (polypharmacy) was only associated with depression, not anxiety.
These findings highlight an interaction between physical health, medication and mental health at midlife. By following participants further over time and evaluating this interaction we may be able to use this information to inform mental and physical health strategies that may possibly prevent dementia in later life.