Scientists to launch £5m study that explores links between immune disorders and mental illness – and could lead to new treatments
“Yet they became depressed as soon as they were given interferon and it triggered inflammation. This suggests strongly that the immune system talks to the brain in some way and that inflammation in the body can cause depression. It is possible that the reverse is true and that the brain somehow affects the immune system but that link requires further research.” The link, added Bullmore, strongly suggests that it might possible to adapt current drugs that tackle inflammation so that they could help those affected by depression.
“We know that if you take anti-inflammatory drugs for conditions such as arthritis that reduces your risk of getting Alzheimer’s,” he said. “We also know that some of the genes that control the course of Alzheimer’s are the same as those that direct inflammatory responses in the body. The evidence connecting the two are very strong.” Lovestone added. “We need to understand how inflammation affects the course of Alzheimer’s. After that, we can then look at anti-inflammatory drugs and see if they can be adapted for use in dealing with senile dementia.”
