Key Genetic and Cognitive Factors Linked to Depression
New research has uncovered important genetic and cognitive components associated with depression. Studies have revealed that genetic variants can impact brain structure in adolescents, and larger brain areas linked to emotion processing may serve as early intervention targets. Moreover, depression has been found to significantly affect reasoning in older adults.
In a groundbreaking development, scientists have uncovered unique epigenetic markers in the blood samples of depressed adolescents, paving the way for more personalized and effective treatments.
Key Research Findings:
- Genetic variants are linked with depression risks and changes in brain structure, with sex-specific variations identified in adolescents.
- Adolescents with depression exhibit enlarged brain areas associated with attention and emotion, indicating potential early intervention targets.
- Depression has a particularly negative impact on reasoning abilities in older adults, emphasizing the need for age-specific treatment approaches.
Source: SfN
In a series of studies examining the brains of individuals with depression, researchers have identified specific genes, molecules, brain regions, and cognitive features associated with the disorder. These findings will be presented at the annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience, Neuroscience 2023, on November 13, 10–11 a.m. EST.
The research is particularly significant as more than 8% of U.S. adults suffer from severe depression, and the prevalence is even higher among specific age groups, including adolescents and older adults. As a complex condition with various genetic and environmental risk factors, understanding the mechanisms in the brain linked to depression is crucial for earlier identification and more effective treatments.
Notable findings include:
- Genetic variants appear to correlate with depression risks, leading to changes in brain structure in adolescents, with both sex-specific and general impacts. (Yu Chen, Yale University)
- Individuals with depression show increased size and activity in brain regions involved in attention and emotion processing (the salience network) during adolescence, presenting a potential early intervention target. (Sanju Koirala, University of Minnesota)
- Higher depressive symptoms have a greater detrimental effect on reasoning abilities in older adults, based on several years of research. (Denise Park, University of Texas at Dallas)
- Adolescents diagnosed with depression have unique epigenetic signatures in their blood samples. (Cecilia Flores, McGill University)
Diego A. Pizzagalli, professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School and moderator of the press conference, stressed the importance of identifying brain markers and risk factors for depression, emphasizing the potential for more effective diagnosis and treatment. He noted that this research will ultimately enable a more focused approach, particularly in terms of early intervention and personalized treatment strategies for vulnerable populations.
Funding: This research received support from national funding agencies, including the National Institutes of Health, and private funding organizations.
About this depression research news
Author: Dina Radtke
Source: SfN
Contact: Dina Radtke – SfN
Image: The image is credited to Neuroscience News
Original Research: The findings will be presented at Neuroscience 2023
