Study of 23,417 Brain Scans Finds No Depression-Hippocampus Link, Points to 3 Other Regions
Updated
Updated · New Scientist · Aug 20
Study of 23,417 Brain Scans Finds No Depression-Hippocampus Link, Points to 3 Other Regions
3 articles · Updated · New Scientist · Aug 20
Summary
23,417 brain scans across six US and UK datasets showed no significant association between depression and hippocampal volume, challenging a long-standing theory that the condition shrinks the brain’s memory center.
Three other regions did show reduced grey matter volume or cortical surface area in people with depression: the frontal cortex, anterior cingulate and insula, all tied to emotional regulation and symptoms such as brain fog and pain.
Modern imaging methods and a much larger sample than a 2015 study of nearly 9,000 people may explain the different result, though the new analysis measured depression at one time point and mostly captured mild to moderate cases.
Researchers said hippocampal shrinkage could still emerge in recurrent or severe depression, while clearer mapping of depression-related brain changes may help future work on dementia risk and more personalized treatments.