Vascular risks, inflammatory activation and cognitive decline in older adults with and without depression

Older adults with depression have a two-fold risk of dementia. We wish to determine whether older Canadians with depression have accelerated cognitive decline compared to those without depression and whether common treatable vascular risk factors in this population contributes to accelerated cognitive decline. We will also determine if increased inflammation, quantified by a blood test, plays a role in accelerating cognitive decline and can help with identification of a particularly high-risk subgroup. Finally, we will determine whether underdiagnosis and undertreatment of hypertension and diabetes is common in older adults with depression could account for increased risk. Findings should help inform preventive strategies to reduce risk of cognitive decline and dementia among older Canadians with depression.