Nutrition Psychology. Depression in mid, late life linked to higher dementia risk: study (Daily Finland). Why not talk about depression – aggression?

Finnish media report about a study, from abroad, which suggests that the precursor of dementia is depression, which includes Alzheimer's. Most health care people consider dementia and Alzheimer's to be explained by biology. Death by dementia/Alzheimer's: – Finland: 20%, – in Sweden: 10%. The Finnish brain foundation predicts that 50% of all Finnish women, and 30% of all Finnish men, 45 years of age or older, will suffer from a serious brain disease. They mean Dementia/Alzheimer's. Aggression also seems to be a precursor to dementia/Alzheimer's. But the question is, is there a link between aggression and depression? Answer: yes. Here's the catch. Finnish women's relational aggressiveness (psychological violence in the home environment) is the big challenge; 40% of the Finnish school children are victims of psychological violence in the home environment. 6 pages.

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Finnish media report about a study, from abroad, which suggests that the precursor of dementia is depression.

“Our findings raise the possibility that depression late in life may not just be a risk factor, but it could also be an early warning sign of dementia beginning to develop,”

Link to source.

According to American Psychological Association (A.P.A):

Link to source.

Link to source.

I have previously written about the Alzheimer's, which is a specific expression of Dementia (Österberg, 2022, 2024 a, b, c, 2025 a).

Link to source.

Most health care people consider dementia and Alzheimer's to be explained by biology. But here's an interesting, and scary, thing. In 2023, EU/OECD screened the cause of deaths in EUs 27 countries, including Finland and Sweden.

Death by dementia/Alzheimer's:

– Finland: 20%.

– in Sweden: 10%.

The Finnish brain foundation predicts that 50% of all Finnish women, and 30% of all Finnish men, 45 years of age or older, will suffer from a serious brain disease. They mean Dementia/Alzheimer's.

Aggression also seems to be a precursor to dementia/Alzheimer's.

In this current reported study, they linked depression as a precursor to Dementia. But the question is, is there a link between aggression and depression?

I asked Chat Gtp the following question:

Chat Gtp:

“Yes — there is a significant and complex relationship between depression and aggression, though it's often underrecognized. While depression is typically associated with sadness, fatigue, and withdrawal, in some people (especially certain age groups and sexes), it may present with irritability, anger, or even aggressive behavior.”.

🧠 How Depression and Aggression Relate

Irritability and Frustration

Many depressed individuals, especially children, adolescents, and men, experience persistent irritability, which can escalate into verbal or physical aggression.

This aggression may be directed outward (toward others) or inward (as self-harm or suicidal behavior).

Impulse Control and Emotional Regulation

Depression affects the prefrontal cortex and limbic system, which regulate mood and impulse control.

This can reduce a person's ability to manage anger, especially under stress.

🔹 3. Shame, Rejection, and Social Isolation

Feelings of worthlessness, rejection, or social failure can trigger defensive aggression as a psychological response.

Some people act out aggressively when they feel misunderstood, ignored, or threatened emotionally.

👥 Depression + Aggression by Group

Group How Aggression Often Appears

Adolescents

Irritability, fighting, defiance

Angry outbursts, risk-taking, domestic violence

More often internalized (self-criticism), but can still show irritability

Older Adults

Often tied to frustration or cognitive decline

🧬 Comorbid Conditions

Aggression is more likely when depression occurs with:

Substance abuse

Personality disorders (e.g., borderline, antisocial)

PTSD

Neurological illness

History of trauma

📉 Clinical Implications

Aggressive depression is sometimes misdiagnosed, especially in males, leading to undertreatment.

Treatment typically involves:

Antidepressants (e.g., SSRIs)

Psychotherapy (CBT, DBT, anger management)

Addressing co-occurring conditions (e.g., alcohol use)

⚠️ When to Be Concerned

If someone with depression:

Exhibits frequent angry outbursts

Talks about hurting others or themselves

Becomes increasingly agitated or hostile

... it’s important to seek professional help. Aggression can escalate if untreated — and may be a sign of deeper emotional distress.

Here's the catch.

Finnish women's relational aggressiveness (psychological violence in the home environment) is the big challenge (Helsingfors police department, April, 2022).

40% of the Finnish school children are victims of psychological violence in the home enviroment (Estlander, Bensow, November, 2023).

Read more:

Österberg (2024). Nutrition psychology. Is women's relational aggressiveness a precursor to Alzheimer's? A comparison between Finland and Sweden

Österberg (2025). Nutrition Psychology. I asked Co-pilot and Claude about diet for health? Their replies are politically correct (but not equally consistent with science)

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