Depression was recognized as a factor that accelerates aging
Scientists at Yale University (USA) found that depression may significantly speed up the deterioration of cognitive functions. This aspect affects the aging brain and contributes to the development of Alzheimer’s disease.
Scientists have created a new method of brain scanning, in which patients were administered a radioactive substance that is used as a contrast. This substance is associated with a specific protein in synaptic vesicles that are involved in transmitting signals across the synapse – the contact between two neurons.
In the end it turned out that patients who suffer from depression, the density of synapses is lower than in people of the same age. The severity of symptoms, including impaired attention and loss of interest in previously enjoyable activities, directly correlated with the distribution of contacts between neurons.
Scientists came to the conclusion that depression may accelerate the aging of the Central nervous system. However, to confirm this, we need to continue to conduct research.
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