MRI hyperintensities and depressive symptoms in a community sample of individuals 60-64 years old.
OBJECTIVE
Previous studies have found associations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal hyperintensities with depression in the elderly. The present study investigates the association in a younger community sample (age 60-64 years) of depressed subjects and comparison groups for potential mediating and confounding variables.


METHODS
A subsample of 475 persons 60-64 years of age from a larger community survey underwent brain MRI scans. White matter hyperintensities were quantified by using an automated procedure, and basal ganglia hyperintensities were quantified by using semiquantitative visual ratings. The study also assessed depressive symptoms and use of antidepressant medication. Potential mediating or confounding variables assessed included physical disability, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, head injury, cortisol, thyroid-stimulating hormone, cognitive functioning, smoking, and alcohol use.


RESULTS
Depressive symptoms were found to be related to total brain white matter hyperintensities but not to basal ganglia hyperintensities. However, associations disappeared when statistical adjustment was made for physical disability and smoking.


CONCLUSIONS
Depressive symptoms are related to white matter hyperintensities in mid-adult life in a community sample. Physical disability appears to play an important role in this association.
Jorm
Anthony F
AF
Centre for Mental Health Research, Australian National University, Canberra 0200, Australia. Anthony.Jorm@anu.edu.au
Anstey
Kaarin J
KJ
Christensen
Helen
H
de Plater
Greg
G
Kumar
Rajeev
R
Wen
Wei
W
Sachdev
Perminder
P
D000367:Age Factors; D001315:Australia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001479:Basal Ganglia / Q000473:pathology; D001921:Brain / Q000098:blood supply / Q000473:pathology*; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000473:pathology; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D012907:Smoking / Q000453:epidemiology