SSRIs May Speed Up Cognitive Decline

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https://neurosciencenews.com/ssris-cognitive-decline-28439/

February 25, 2025

Summary:

A new study based on data from 18,740 dementia patients suggests that antidepressants may accelerate cognitive decline. Researchers found that patients taking antidepressants, particularly SSRIs like escitalopram, citalopram, and sertraline, experienced faster deterioration compared to those not on medication.

While depression itself can worsen dementia symptoms, the findings highlight the need for more tailored antidepressant choices in dementia care. Future research will explore whether specific dementia types or biomarkers influence how patients respond to different antidepressants.

Key Facts

● Faster Cognitive Decline: Dementia patients on antidepressants showed greater cognitive deterioration over time.

● SSRI Impact: Escitalopram, citalopram, and sertraline were linked to the fastest decline, while mirtazapine had a milder effect.

● Need for Individualized Care: Researchers aim to identify patient subgroups that may respond better or worse to specific antidepressants

See the whole article at the link ...