New University of Michigan research reveals older adults with high cumulative lead exposure face nearly triple the Alzheimer's risk. The study suggests reducing population lead levels could prevent thousands of dementia cases annually.

Scientists have identified a pattern of gene activity present in some female survivors of childhood abuse that is associated with an elevated risk of depression.

“We know childhood abuse increases the risk of depression at the population level, but at the individual level it’s much harder to predict who will actually develop the disorder,” said senior author Patricia Silveira, professor in McGill’s Department of Psychiatry and researcher at the Douglas Mental Health University Institute. “Our findings point to a biological mechanism that may help explain who is more at risk, at least in women.”