Later life depression as a risk factor for developing dementia: how much influence does the post-pandemic era have?

Abstract

By the year 2050, it is estimated that at least 20% of the world’s population will be over the age of 65. Depression in late life is a serious public health problem that has a negative and substantial impact on the quality of life of older adults, their families, and their social circle. Depression, in turn, constitutes a risk and prognostic factor for the development or worsening of dementia, a condition present in about 10% of the population over 60 years of age, and which increases and intensifies with age, being up to 40% at age 90. In the context of the current COVID-19 pandemic, aspects such as persistent isolation and loneliness, socioeconomic distress, lack of family and professional support, fear of illness and death, are potential negative risk factors for developing depression and worsening the prognosis of dementia in older adults.