Biological determinants of depression, the role of cerebral damage, microvascular dysfunction, and hyperglycaemia: a population-based approach

This dissertation investigates biological causes of depression. Depression is a common mental health problem. However, the mechanisms that could contribute to depression are not fully understood, possibly due to the heterogeneous nature of depression, including differences across age groups. The mechanisms involved in late-life depression might differ from those in early life, and may include vascular dysfunction, neurodegeneration and hyperglycaemia. This dissertation, that includes data of thousands of individuals, shows that microvascular dysfunction and hyperglycaemia are associated with an increased risk of developing depressive symptoms. Successful cardiovascular- and metabolic risk management may not only reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases but possibly also the risk of depression. In other words, what is good for the heart is good for the brain!