The association of eight-year trajectories in total, cognitive-affective, and somatic depressive symptoms with incident stroke: a 10-year follow-up study using HRS and ELSA cohorts

Trajectories of total depressive symptoms marked by escalation, instability, or sustained elevation exhibited significantly elevated stroke risk. In contrast, individuals displaying decreasing depressive symptoms exhibit stroke risk comparable to those maintaining consistently low levels. Specifically, an ascending trajectory of cognitive-affective symptoms, alongside unstable and persistently elevated trajectories of somatic symptoms, are linked to increased stroke risk. These findings emphasize the clinical importance of monitoring dynamic changes in depressive symptoms and their subtypes for stroke prevention. Future investigations should elucidate underlying mechanisms to refine identification and intervention strategies for high-risk populations.