Depression Predisposes Parkinson Disease, Associated With Worse Disease Severity

[Farooqji]

neurologylive.com/view/depr...

[park_bear]

"depression is common in patients with Parkinson disease (PD), with prevalence increasing 10 years before PD diagnosis."

This article's headline is wrong. What was demonstrated by the observational study was association, which is not causation. We all know very well that Parkinson's gets underway many years prior to diagnosis. Depression may simply be an early symptom.

What is useful about the study is that onset of depression can be a cue to check for Parkinson's, at such time as the medical profession wakes up to the fact that early diagnosis is beneficial.

[Bolt_Upright in reply to park_bear]

Also, re "All told, average depression score was highest in the 1 year preceding PD diagnosis", the years before a PD diagnosis are frequently years with odd symptoms that you can't figure out, causing worry and stress.

Now the difference in progression between the people with depression at diagnosis and the people without depression at diagnosis is interesting.

[MarionP in reply to park_bear]

"... Depression may simply be an early symptom." Absolutely.

[Esperanto]

It is remarkable that in depression, just like with chronic stress and Parkinson’s, there is often a deficiency of certain B vitamins. In particular, they found that vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6, B9 and B12 are essential for neuronal function and deficiencies have been linked to depression.

While this correlation may seem like a coincidence, it is clear that B vitamins play a crucial role in the functioning of the nervous system, including the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and overall brain health.

[shaken-not-stirred in reply to Esperanto]

Add Vit D to that list as well.

[Esperanto in reply to shaken-not-stirred]

Indeed depression and stress have been linked to lower levels of vitamin D in the body. Vitamin D deficiency is also associated with an increased risk of developing PD. Additionally, from my own experience sunlight helps in the production of vitamin D and may have a neuroprotective effect for individuals with PD. It stimulates the production of serotonin, which improves mood and reduces symptoms of depression. Sunlight also triggers the release of endorphins, promoting relaxation and reducing stress levels.

Studies suggest also that Magnesium deficiency and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, such as EPA and DHA, may be associated with an increased risk of depression and may worsen symptoms in individuals with PD.

[shaken-not-stirred in reply to Esperanto]

Yes I agree wholeheartedly! My PWP went into denial and depression when he was diagnosed for approx 18 months - already had him on EPA and DHA before dx - with help from Dr Mercola I put him on Magnesium and Potassium , Vit D3+K2 and B Complex. He was not interested in doing anything, got fat, no energy or drive - 4 days of being on this mix he was rearing to go - he couldn't believe how he felt. I knew because I had been on this regime for a month and the same thing happened to me, I was depressed because he was and I couldn't do anything to lift him out of it. He also had sleeping issues which has been solved as well - apart from when he was on Sifrol/Simipex, which we got him off before Xmas last year. We still take these everyday and we have a GP who supports us in what we are doing - it is hard to find B Complex with low B6 - but I found one about 4 months ago and the neuropathy has settled nicely.