Depression Linked to Parkinson's Disease & 5 Times Greater Death Risk in Heart Failure Patients

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Recent studies have shown that depression may increase the risk of heart failure and the development of Parkinson's disease.

A study called OPERA-HF examined the link between depression and heart failure. Researchers presented the study at the European Society of Cardiology, reports BBC News.

For a period of 302 days, researchers observed patients who suffered from heart failure, Medical Daily has learned. The patients were categorized by the level of depression using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale.

Overall, there were 103 patients who were not diagnosed with the depression, 27 patients with mild depression and 24 patients who had moderate to severe depression.

Twenty-seven patients, mostly diagnosed with moderate to severe depression, died after 302 days of observation. Researchers found that depressed patients with history of heart failure were five times more likely to die than those who had heart failure but were not depressed

Due to the results, the researchers concluded that people with history of heart failure should be screened for signs of depression and provided with proper counseling. They believe that taking a more holistic approach in treating heart failure, which includes diagnosing depression, will significantly decrease risks.

According to Professor John Cleland, chief investigator of the study: "Our research clearly shows a strong association between depression and risk of death...Recognition and management of depression may reduce mortality for patients with heart failure."

Meanwhile, Julie Ward, from the British Heart Foundation adds: "Every person with a long-term physical health condition, like heart disease, should be treated for both their physical and psyhological symptoms equally."

Ward's advice is well-founded since depression is not only linked to heart failure, but also to Parkinson's disease all the same.

Interestingly, a study conducted by Swedish researchers has found that the more severe the depression is, the higher the risk of developing Parkinson's disease, reports the New York Times.

Over 140,000 people with depression were compared with around 400,000 people who were not diagnosed with the disorder. Researchers observed all the participants for seven years, in some cases as long as 25 years, and found 3,260 of the patients developed Parkinson's disease.

It was discovered that people who suffered depression were three times more likely to develop Parkinson's later in life. Nevertheless, scientists are still unable to identify how depression increases the risk of having Parkinson's.

According to Professor Peter Nordstroms, the lead author of the study, "It could be that depression damages the brain, causing the increase in Parkinson's. Or it could also be that very early in Parkinson's, we are more prone to depression. It's impossible to say."