#126- Depression + Dementia: How Depression Treatment Prevents Dementia- According to Science

The Hidden Link Between Depression and Dementia

Every time I sit with a client and help them move through depression, I know I’m not just helping them feel better in the moment—I may also be protecting their brain years down the road. That’s not just a hope—it’s science.

In this episode, I’m diving into the powerful link between mental health treatment and dementia prevention. So many therapists don’t realize that untreated depression in midlife and later life increases the risk of dementia. But here’s the hopeful truth: when we treat depression, we don’t just reduce suffering—we may delay or even prevent cognitive decline.

If you’re a therapist, this episode is a call to action. You have more power than you think to shape not just your client’s emotional well-being, but their cognitive future. I’ll walk you through the research, the biology, and—most importantly—what you can do right now to support your older clients in living full, vibrant, and connected lives.

In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

• Why depression is a modifiable risk factor for dementia
• What the latest research says about treating depression and reducing dementia risk
• How therapy for depression improves mood, memory, and independence
• Why older adults are just as likely to benefit from therapy as other age groups
• How antidepressant treatment in people with mild cognitive impairment can delay dementia
• What you can do for clients already living with dementia and depression
• Why your role as a therapist matters more than ever—and how to make a difference

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