Cellular aging in immune cells signals early onset of cognitive depression

This simple blood test might detect depression before symptoms appear

A new study suggests depression may soon be detectable through a simple blood test—by tracking how certain immune cells age. Researchers found that accelerated aging in monocytes, a type of white blood cell, is closely tied to the emotional and cognitive symptoms of depression, like hopelessness and loss of pleasure, rather than physical symptoms such as fatigue.

Cellular aging in immune cells signals early onset of cognitive depression

Blood tests measuring the aging of certain white blood cells can predict cognitive and mood-related symptoms of depression, rather than physical symptoms.

Study links biological aging to cognitive effects of depression

Feelings like hopelessness and loss of pleasure may leave traces in the immune system that standard depression screening cannot yet see. A new study of 440 women found that a blood-based measure of aging in monocytes, a type of white blood cell tied to immune defense, tracked with the cognitive and emotional symptoms of depression more than with physical complaints such as fatigue or appetite changes. The work points to a possible biological mar…

Marker of biological aging linked to cognitive symptoms of depression

Blood tests measuring the aging of certain white blood cells can predict cognitive and mood-related symptoms of depression, rather than physical symptoms.  The findings, published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, bring researchers closer to identifying a biomarker for detecting the mood disorder, which affects nearly one in five US adults.  Depression is diagnosed based on self-reported symptoms…

Biomarker of Epigenetic Aging Could Signal Depression

Research led by New York University suggests a marker of epigenetic aging could be linked to depression. The team found that accelerated aging of a type of white blood cell called a monocyte was significantly associated with the psychological and cognitive expressions of depression in a group of women with and without HIV. “Depression is not a one-size-fits-all disorder—it can look really different from person to person, which is why it’s so imp…

Biological Aging Marker Connected to Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

In a breakthrough study published in The Journals of Gerontology, Series A: Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences, researchers have unveiled a novel biomarker that could revolutionize the diagnosis and understanding of depression. By probing the biological aging of specific white blood cells, notably monocytes, scientists can now predict mood and cognitive symptoms of depression more […]