EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF MOOD DISORDERS ON THE PROGRESSION OF NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES

Abstract

Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar disorder, have been recognized not only for their immediate effects on mental health, but also for their potential impact on the course of neurodegenerative diseases. This complex interaction has aroused increasing interest in the scientific community due to the possibility that depressive and manic symptoms may negatively influence the progression of conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and multiple sclerosis. Understanding how these disorders can accelerate or intensify degenerative processes in the central nervous system is crucial to developing more effective and comprehensive intervention strategies. Objective: To investigate the impact of mood disorders on the progression of neurodegenerative diseases through a critical analysis of recent literature. Methodology: The PRISMA checklist was used to guide the systematic review. The PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases were searched using the descriptors "mood disorders", "neurodegenerative diseases", "impact", "progression", and "association". Studies published in the last 10 years that directly explored the relationship between mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases were included. Inclusion criteria considered original studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Exclusion criteria included studies with unrepresentative samples, exclusive focus on pharmacological treatment, and lack of robust statistical analysis. Results: Analysis revealed a significant connection between mood disorders and the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting potential mechanisms such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal dysfunction. Studies have frequently reported that depressive symptoms and manic episodes can exacerbate motor and cognitive symptoms in patients with neurodegenerative diseases, contributing to a worsening of the overall prognosis. Conclusion: This review highlights the importance of an integrated approach in the management of patients with mood disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Interventions that target both mental health and neuroprotection may be essential to improving quality of life and slowing the progression of these multifaceted conditions.