Depression and amyloid-β across CSF, PET, and plasma biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
NeuroscienceJul 30, 2026 (epub)
Chushu Tan
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the relationship between amyloid-β biomarkers and depression in adults, analyzing 24 studies across cerebrospinal fluid, PET, and plasma sources. The findings revealed a small, statistically non-significant difference in amyloid-β burden between depressed and non-depressed individuals, suggesting that depression does not consistently correlate with increased amyloid-β levels.
Key findings
- The pooled difference in amyloid-β burden was small and near zero, indicating a weak association with depression.
- Cerebrospinal fluid and plasma showed considerable heterogeneity, while imaging results had moderate heterogeneity.
- Subgroup analysis revealed that imaging methods influenced results, with standardized uptake value ratio showing near-zero results.
- Kinetic distribution volume ratio modelling indicated a significant positive association with depression.
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between depression and amyloid-β pathology is crucial for clinicians as it may influence the interpretation of Alzheimer's disease progression and the clinical impact of depression in affected individuals.