A family history of depression could be linked to lower cognitive performance in the next generation, according to UK research. 

A recent study included over 57,000 people and found that for younger people (age range, 6 to 42 years), a family history of depression was linked to worse memory, although there were indications this could be due to differences in education or other socioeconomic factors. 

For older people, a family history of depression was linked to worse processing speed, attention, and executive function. 

The researchers found similar links in people who were genetically predisposed to depression, even if they had never been depressed themselves but had a family history of depression. 

The authors say, this has important implications for understanding and addressing potentially modifiable risk factors.

The full study is accessible here.