In an earlier study, Dr. Meyer’s team discovered the first definitive evidence of inflammation in the brain in clinical depression. “Greater inflammation in the brain is a common response with degenerative brain diseases as they progress, such as with Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson´s disease,” said Dr. Meyer. While depression is not considered a degenerative brain disease, the change in inflammation shows that, for those in whom depression persists, it may be progressive and not a static condition. In the study, brain inflammation was measured using a type of brain imaging called positron emission tomography (PET). TSPO levels were about 30 % higher in different brain regions among those with long-lasting untreated depression, compared to those with shorter periods of untreated depression.

Source: Hindustan Times February 27, 2018 08:15 UTC