ST. LOUIS — A study conducted by researchers at Saint Louis University found that people over 50 who suffer from both depression and insomnia are significantly more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Researchers analyzed health records from nearly 2 million patients and discovered that:
- Individuals with both depression and insomnia had a 91% higher risk of developing dementia.
- Those with depression alone had a 70% increased risk.
- People with insomnia alone had an 11% increased risk.
- The risk was similar across racial groups.
The study, recently published in Aging & Mental Health, highlights that depression is the strongest contributor to dementia risk, but when combined with insomnia, the danger is even greater. These findings suggest that early treatment of sleep problems and depression could help reduce the chances of developing dementia later in life.
“Mental health care is a critical part of dementia prevention, especially for older adults,” said SangNam Ahn, Ph.D., associate professor of health management and policy at SLU and lead author of the study. “Too many individuals with depression and insomnia remain undiagnosed or untreated. Expanding access to therapy and mental health services could make a meaningful difference in reducing the risk of Alzheimer’s and related dementias.”
Ahn further stated that this research contributes to the growing evidence that mental health and sleep quality are key factors in brain health, and researchers urge health care providers and policymakers to take action to support vulnerable populations.
Other study authors include Joanne Salas, Advanced HEAlth Data (AHEAD) Research Institute, Saint Louis University School of Medicine; Jinmyoung Cho, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine; Jeffrey Scherrer, Ph.D., Advanced HEAlth Data (AHEAD) Research Institute, Department of Family and Community Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine.
About Saint Louis University
Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic research institutions. Rooted in Jesuit values and its pioneering history as the first university west of the Mississippi River, SLU offers more than 13,300 students a rigorous, transformative education that challenges and prepares them to make the world a better place. As a nationally recognized leader in research and innovation, SLU is an R1 research university, advancing groundbreaking, life-changing discoveries that promote the greater good.
