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Depression May Advance Inflammation
Depression, even mild cases, can affect the immune system in older adults, according to the results of a study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry (October 2003). During the study, individuals who reported even a few symptoms of depression had higher levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), an immune symptom protein that promotes inflammation. The research team compared 47 people who were present or past caregivers for a spouse with dementia with 72 similarly aged people who had never been a caregiver.
The participants answered questions about symptoms of depression, and the researchers measured levels of IL-6 in blood samples taken before and after the participants had a flu shot. The study found that people who had symptoms of depression, but who were not clinically depressed, had higher levels of IL-6 before and after a flu shot, compared with people with fewer symptoms. Furthermore, 2 weeks after a flu shot, IL-6 levels in people with more depressive symptoms had increased, whereas people with few symptoms of depression did not have a big increase in IL-6 levels.
Articles in this issue
almost 22 years ago
Diabetic Mothers' Babies Are Prone to Heart Defectsalmost 22 years ago
Dementia Is More Prominent in Late-Onset Schizophreniaalmost 22 years ago
Exercise Training Helps Alzheimer's Patientsalmost 22 years ago
Timing Is Everythingalmost 22 years ago
Ethnicity and Location Predict Knee Operationalmost 22 years ago
High Heels Are Acquitted of Causing Osteoarthritisalmost 22 years ago
Frequent Exercise Holds Back Diabetesalmost 22 years ago
Cast Is Better Than Shoesalmost 22 years ago
Tips for Living with Aching Jointsalmost 22 years ago
Presence of Antibodies May Forecast RANewsletter
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