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Recent research findings published in the June 19, 2009 issue of Neurology indicate people who are depressed have a greater likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s than those who are not depressed.
The research involved 756 people between 55 and 91-years-old who had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), that is, where memory problems are worse than normal aging, but the person has not yet developed dementia.
Findings revealed the degree of depression was directly related to whether the participant would develop Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Many of us have heard the commercials for Aricept (donepezil) on television or read about the drug in the news.
What researchers found during the three year study was, when the drug was given to those who were depressed, it prolonged the onset of dementia. The drug had little or no effect on those who were not depressed.
Therefore, there is a direct correlation between depression and the onset of Alzheimer’s. Unfortunately, donepezil has not been approved for MCI sufferers, but has only been approved for those who have already been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Researchers say if the government would approve donepezil for those who are depressed and showing signs of MCI, the progression of the disease could be delayed by several years.
As someone who watched a parent slide downhill for over ten years into full-blown dementia, having a drug that could have prolonged her memory for several more years would have been a blessing for our family.
In my opinion, if there is a drug already on the market that can provide people a better quality of life for several more years, that drug should be made available to them.
I certainly don’t know the reasons the government made the decision they did, but based on these recent findings they should reconsider their decision and approve Aricept (donepezil) for those who are depressed and suffering from mild cognitive impairment.
What do you think? Do you have a parent or loved one who suffers from depression and has been diagnosed with MCI? What would you want for that person?
