White matter hyperintensities and depression--preliminary results from the LADIS study.
BACKGROUND
White matter hyperintensities have been associated with the development of depression in older subjects, though the details of this relationship are not fully understood.


METHODS
In a pan-European multicentre study of 629 older subjects, we examined the relationship between MRI white matter hyperintensities (WMH), depressive symptoms and self perceived health quality of life (QOL). WMH were rated using a three-point scale.


RESULTS
We found depressive symptoms as assessed by the geriatric depression 15-item scale to be associated with WMH rating (Spearman's rho 0.11, p = 0.008) and also with the Euro-QOL health score (Spearman's rho -0.5, p < 0.001). In a ordinal logistic regression model, QOL was found to strongly predict GDS score (p < 0.001) and severe vs mild WMH were associated with increased depression (p = 0.028). The relationship between history of severe depression and WMH score was examined, but there were no differences either between those with and without a history of severe depression, or those with an early vs late onset of depression.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggest that WMH play a role in increasing depressive symptoms, even when perceived quality of life is controlled for as a possible mediating factor.
Firbank
Michael J
MJ
Institute for Ageing and Health, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
O'Brien
John T
JT
Pakrasi
Sanjeet
S
Pantoni
Leonardo
L
Simoni
Michela
M
Erkinjuntti
Timo
T
Wallin
Anders
A
Wahlund
Lars-Olof
LO
van Straaten
Ilse
I
Inzitari
Domenico
D
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001921:Brain / Q000473:pathology*; D003863:Depression / Q000473:pathology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000473:pathology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011788:Quality of Life; D020521:Stroke / Q000473:pathology / Q000523:psychology