Depression and Premature Aging

A recent study found that depressed patients have shortened telomeres. Telomeres are repetitive DNA segments at the end of our chromosomes. Every time a cell divides the telomere shortens; eventually it is too short and the cell dies. Researchers think this may be part of our programmed aging.

We don't know if treating the depression lengthens the telomeres. However it is possible that depression result in slightly premnature aging.

Incidentally, the story of telomeres is quite fascinating. If we try to prevent their shortening we find an increase in cancer. In fact many cancers have enzymes that prevent shortening and so enhance their survival!