Exploring the overlapping genetic and molecular hippocampal mechanisms between Alzheimer’s disease and depression

In this thesis we explore the overlap between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and depression. It has become clear that AD patients often exhibit depressive symptoms and depressive patients are at increased risk of developing AD. In this thesis we have explored overlap between these diseases. In this work we have uncovered that in humans, significant overlap exists in the genetics of those with AD and depression. This overlap affects genes involved in neuronal communication, development of the neuronal system, among others. Through the use of a mouse model of depression, this thesis identified lasting dysregulation of mitochondria (the energy providers of cells), which is likely present before the onset of the symptoms of depression. A combination mouse model of both depression and AD suggests that AD animals are more vulnerable to the mitochondrial effects of depression than healthy animals. Taken together this thesis underlines the overlap between depression and AD and identifies mitochondria as an important component of this overlap.