Antidepressants may accelerate cognitive decline in people with dementia, according to a new study published in BMC Medicine. Researchers analyzed data from 18,740 patients and found that those treated with antidepressants experienced increased cognitive decline compared to those who did not receive the medication.
The study, which followed patients’ cognitive development over time, also identified differences between different types of antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) were associated with faster cognitive decline, while a different type called mirtazapine had less negative impact.
While it is unclear whether the cognitive impairment is due to the drugs or depressive symptoms themselves, the findings suggest that doctors may need to choose antidepressants more carefully for dementia patients. The researchers hope to investigate which patient groups respond better or worse to different medications.
The study’s lead author, Sara Garcia Ptacek, notes that the goal is to create more individualized care for dementia patients. “Depressive symptoms can both worsen cognitive decline and impair quality of life,” she says.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-02-antidepressants-linked-faster-cognitive-decline.html