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Depression is a double jeopardy situation when it comes to Alzheimer's disease. Patients diagnosed with the brain disease often become depressed especially in the early stages when they can understand the impact this disease will have on their life and the lives of their family members. On the other side of the equation, researchers have linked a risk of developing Alzheimer's in people who have a history of depression.

One of the main components noticed in advanced Alzheimer's disease is the formation of plaques and tangles around the hippocampus, cortex and cerebrum portions of the brain. These parts generate thoughts, control movements, store memories and help retain new memories as well as help you interpret body sensations, help with language, planning skills, and solve problems. The plaques and tangles are formed when the brain's nerve cells and other mechanisms begin to die off. Research has found that people with a long history of major depression had more plaques and tangles and if and when they develop Alzheimer's disease their decline is much more rapid.

The Mirage Study examined 4000 people, half with Alzheimer's and the other half were their relatives with no signs of the disease. The study found that Alzheimer's was more likely to occur in both men and women with signs of depression within one year of early diagnosis. Those in the study who had symptoms of depression even as far back as 25 years were at an increased risk of developing the brain disease.

Other research considers the possibility that Alzheimer's disease could be a much longer process that begins several years before any obvious signs of memory loss associated with Alzheimer's occurs and shows up as symptoms of depression. Research will continue on both sides of the coin.

Depression occurs frequently in people who have been diagnosed with early stage Alzheimer's disease. Early diagnosis of the disease helps patients be involved with their future planning and care, but it also creates a double edged sword as these patients are able to comprehend the devastating results of this brain disease on their quality of life and realize the burden on their loved ones.

As the disease progresses, it is difficult to diagnose depression in the patient as communication breaks down. The patient loses the ability to describe or voice his feelings. It is up to the caregiver to provide information to the doctor as to symptoms the patient is exhibiting. Depression occurs in about 20-40 percent of Alzheimer's

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