The Impact of neuroeducational methods on depression level and telomere length

Abstract

Background: Telomeres and telomerase are basic molecular features of cells genetic senescence, that also contributes to various diseases. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of neuroeducational methods on the level of depression and telomere length shortening. Method: The study data summarizes the findings on telomere length of neuroeducational group (20 h sesions/month) (n = 10) and controls (n = 10) at baseline and after 6 month post-intervention. HT-Q-FISH (LifeLenght, Spain) was used to measure the median telomere length (TL). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to evaluate the patient’s tendency to depression. Results: In neuroeducational group individuals, median TL over the 6 months period decreased 100±27 base pares (bp) – from 10,480 bp to 10,380 bp, whereas subjects in the control group lost 420±80 bp telomeres – from 10,920 bp to 10,500 bp. The subjects of control group lost telomeres statistically significantly (p = 0.02). The median of HADS depression scores of the experimental group was 4 before the study and after the study 1.5 . The change of the sumof scores over six months was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The median of HADS depression scores of the control group was 3 before the study, and after the study–4. The change in the sum of scores over six months was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Discussion: We hypothesize that neuroeducation can impact some biochemical pathways involved coping depression mechanisms and may contribute to an “remain younger” phenotype.