Depression and Alzheimer Disorder:novel postmortem brain studies reveal a possible common mechanism

Yoshitaka Tatebayashi

Affective Disorders Research Team, Schizophrenia & Affective Disorders Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science

The relationship between Alzheimer disease and depression in the elderly and/or middle∼young-ages has always been relevant and controversial. We review briefly the epidemiological and biological studies about both disorders and then introduce our recent research about postmortem brains from patients with psychiatric disorders using novel methodological approaches. Finally, we discuss about an unveiled possible common mechanism linking etiologies between Alzheimer and mood disorders.

Address correspondence to Dr. Yoshitaka Tatebayashi, Affective Disorders Research Team, Schizophrenia & Affective Disorders Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science (2-1-6 Kamikitazawa, Setagaya, Tokyo 156-8506, Japan)