PhD Defence April C.E. van Gennip

Keywords: Dementia, depression, risk factors, microcirculation
 

"Dementia and Depression: Risk Factors and Microvascular Mechanisms"

This thesis investigates two potential causes of dementia and depression. Understanding these causes is important for better prevention of these disorders. Risk factors, including hypertension, an unhealthy lifestyle, and damage to the smallest blood vessels may contribute to the development of dementia and depression. This thesis shows that the excess risk of dementia and depression among individuals with cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes decreased stepwise for a high number of risk factors meeting healthy levels. In addition, cardiovascular disease was associated with a higher risk of dementia, particularly when cardiovascular disease develops at a young age. This thesis also showed that a worse function of the smallest blood vessels was associated with a higher risk of depressive symptoms. These results may indicate that control of risk factors, prevention of cardiovascular disease at a young age and improvement of the function of the smallest blood vessels may contribute to the prevention of dementia and depression. 

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