Depressive Symptoms as a Predictor of Quality of Life in Cerebral Small Vessel Disease, Acting Independently of Disability; a Study in Both Sporadic Small Vessel Disease and Cadasil

Abstract

Depressive symptoms, often unrecognized, are a major determinant of reduced quality of life in small vessel disease. They account for greater reduction than, and are independent of, disability. This relationship may reflect the proposed causal association between white matter disease and depression. Treatment of depressive symptoms might significantly improve quality of life in small vessel disease.