In this thesis of Bente Hofstra we explore the overlap between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and depression. It has become clear that Alzheimer’s disease patients often exhibit depressive symptoms and depressive patients are at increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease.
In this thesis we have explored overlap between these diseases. In this work we have uncovered that in humans, significant overlap exists in the genetics of those with Alzheimer’s disease and depression. This overlap affects genes involved in neuronal communication, development of the neuronal system, among others. Through the use of a mouse model of depression, this thesis identified lasting dysregulation of mitochondria (the energy providers of cells), which is likely present before the onset of the symptoms of depression. A combination mouse model of both depression and Alzheimer’s disease suggests that Alzheimer’s disease animals are more vulnerable to the mitochondrial effects of depression than healthy animals.
Taken together this thesis underlines the overlap between depression and Alzheimer’s disease and identifies mitochondria as an important component of this overlap.
