Forgetfulness and inability to focus can be symptoms of depression that may go unnoticed by the public.
Millions of people suffer from depression each year in the United States. About 7.8 percent of U.S. adults, or 19.4 million people, suffered from severe depression in 2019.
Although depression is commonly thought to negatively affect a person’s emotions, it can also profoundly influence their ability to think and remember.
It’s possible that depressive symptoms would make it harder to concentrate or recall specific details. In addition, some of your regular cognitive functions, such as short-term memory, may be compromised.
I’ve outlined the many adverse outcomes of depression, including the memory loss that often occurs. I’ve also reviewed recent studies to explain the correlation between depression and memory issues.
Finally, I’ve covered what to do if you’re experiencing memory loss and are experiencing depressive symptoms.
Can Depression Cause Memory Loss: The Effects of Depression on Your Mind
It’s not uncommon to have depressive symptoms, which can have far-reaching effects on one’s state of mind and behavior. The most common kind of depression in adults is major depressive disorder (MDD).
Anyone, regardless of age or socioeconomic status, is susceptible. The likelihood of having depression depends on many factors, like genetics, personality, and health.
Depression can hinder a person’s ability to focus, learn, make informed judgments, and retain information.
Other types of depression may also affect mood and thinking. These are seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and persistent depressive disorder (dysthymia).
According to studies, many depressed people report experiencing some or all of these symptoms. Complaints often center around diminished “processing speed” and increased difficulties with abilities like working memory and solving problems.
It’s common to feel that your memory isn’t as good if you’re depressed and have a bad mood or less interest in your typical hobbies.
Is a certain memory impacted by depression, and what causes this? Memory-related cognitive impairments are one of many cognitive issues connected to depression.
The following forms of memory could be impaired by depression:
1. Working Memory
Temporary or “working” memory is essential for planning, understanding, reasoning, and problem-solving tasks. Included in this is whatever data you can remember and put to use in deliberate, in-the-moment thought processes.
In a study published in Cognitive Neuropsychiatry in 2005, researchers discovered that people with depression showed impairments in working memory. Notably, the capacity to recall short-term spatial and visual information.
2. Long-Term Memory
Memory for facts, thoughts, and experiences you have encountered and practiced throughout your life is “long-term memory.”
Depression can affect long-term memory even after other symptoms have subsided, according to a study of the evidence published in The Lancet in 2019.
3. A Recollection of One’s Own Life
Remembering one’s life events—or autobiographical memory—is a uniquely personal and exciting form of remembering. Besides specifics about past events and experiences, semantic data like names and places are included.
According to studies, many patients with significant mood disorders and depression have trouble recalling recent events. Instead, they may dwell on the bad times or regard their past with a pessimistic outlook.
Experts do not fully understand memory changes in those who are depressed. Still, there’s evidence that suggests the brain’s physical and structural changes in depressed people could have a role.
A 2016 meta-analysis of MRI brain scans found that depressed people have a smaller hippocampus than non-depressed people.
The hippocampus, the neocortex, and the amygdala are three brain regions regulating and administering memory.
Those who were younger than 21 when they first had depressive symptoms also showed a smaller amygdala, which was an interesting finding in this study.
Memory loss in depressed people has been linked to neurological changes, but it is unknown if this is the leading cause. However, the causes of depression-related memory loss are still a mystery, but researchers are attempting to find answers.
Effects These Memory Problems May Have on Your Life
Not remembering things isn’t always a symptom of depression. However, when depression leads to memory problems, it can cause many disorders. These negatively impact your disposition, emotions, and thoughts, ultimately diminishing your quality of life.
One or more of the following memory issues may be experienced by people with major depressive disorder or another illness that generates depressed symptoms:
1. Disruption of Short-Term Memory
Major depressive disorder has been linked to impaired short-term memory, making it more challenging to keep track of new information as it comes in. In some circumstances, you may have trouble maintaining numbers and spatial details.
2. Many Negative Memories
It is possible to dwell on the bad parts of past occurrences when doing so requires you to reflect on them. It’s possible that you could start viewing specific situations or times in a bad light, even if this isn’t the case.
3. Focusing Issues
Memory loss associated with depression can make it challenging to maintain attention. Depression has been shown to impact productivity in the job negatively.
4. Reduced Ability to Make Decisions
Depression can impair judgment because of its impact on the mind’s capacity for memory and concentration. So if you’re having trouble deciding or staying calm under pressure, it may be because you’re having trouble thinking clearly.
What Links Depression And Loss Of Memory, Exactly?
The following are the primary reasons that can cause memory loss in people with depression:
1. Memory Loss May Result From Physical Changes in The Brain Brought on By Depression
Researchers have found that depressive mood is associated with brain alterations that negatively impact memory. In addition, the stress response triggers the release of the hormone cortisol in people experiencing depressive episodes.
When there is excess cortisol in the brain, the hippocampus stops growing because no new brain cells can form there. This suggests that a stress response detrimental to memory formation may be triggered by depressing episodes.
Memory loss and difficulties in concentration are two symptoms of depression that can be eased with treatment.
2. Sleep Disturbances Are Linked to Depression And Can Affect Memory
Most people with depression also have trouble sleeping and feel constantly exhausted. Variations in the mood- and sleep-regulating neurotransmitters are associated with depression.
This can cause depression, insomnia, or hypersomnia, which can impede mental functioning.
3. A Short-Term Memory Loss Associated With Antidepressants
Antidepressants can be helpful for those struggling with depression. However, several antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and tricyclics, have been linked to distraction and memory loss.
The inability to remember recent events may be impaired.
Drugs that treat depression have helped thousands of people. Consult your physician promptly if antidepressant use has resulted in impaired short-term memory. Your doctor may alter the strength of your antidepressants or suggest other treatments.
Various Other Causes of Memory Loss
You shouldn’t automatically attribute your memory problems or increased forgetfulness to depression just because you’ve noticed they’ve recently increased in severity or frequency.
There could be other root causes of memory loss, such as:
1. Aging
Experiencing some forgetfulness is a natural part of aging. Some symptoms include a prolonged learning curve and the occasional misplacing of everyday household items.
2. Medicines
Iatrogenic amnesia, also known as memory loss because of medical intervention, can be a side effect of certain medications.
Some medications, such as antipsychotic drugs, benzodiazepines, antidepressants, pain relievers, and anticonvulsants, have been linked to memory loss in some people.
3. Injuries to The Head
After suffering a head injury, such as a concussion, it’s not uncommon to have trouble remembering things. So if you or someone you know has a head injury resulting from a fall or other accident, get care immediately.
4. Poor Nutrition
Some dietary deficits have been linked to impaired cognitive and memory performance. Vitamin B12 insufficiency has been associated with cognitive impairment and memory loss.
5. Dementia
Those having Alzheimer’s disease or another kind of dementia often experience difficulties with remembering things. Alzheimer’s disease typically manifests in people in their mid-to-late 60s.
6. Diseases of The Kidneys, Liver, And Thyroid
If your kidneys, liver, or thyroid aren’t functioning correctly, you may have trouble remembering things. The condition known as hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) has been linked to memory loss and cognitive impairment (sometimes known as “brain fog”).
7. Alcohol
There may be an influence on memory from drinking alcohol, especially in large quantities. Heavy drinking is also connected to slower information processing and learning difficulties.
8. Substance Abuse
Memory loss is a common side effect of many recreational medications. Learning and memory impairments are among the various cognitive issues that can arise from drug abuse.
9. Other Mental Health Conditions
Anxiety disorders and persistent stress are two examples of mental and emotional conditions that might contribute to memory loss. Unfortunately, these signs are sometimes misunderstood as resulting from depression.
If you’re having memory problems and don’t think it’s just depression, make an appointment with your doctor.
Treatment For Depression-Related Memory Loss
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of depression or memory loss, contact your doctor.
Consulting a mental health expert is also a good idea. You can do this by speaking with your primary care physician for a referral to a mental health specialist or scheduling a consultation with a therapist in your area.
Treatment often eases symptoms of depression, such as forgetfulness and the inability to concentrate.
Your healthcare practitioner may prescribe antidepressants as part of your treatment for depression. They may also offer to counsel or propose behavioral and lifestyle modifications.
To Sum Up
Although multiple studies have shown that depressive thoughts can lead to temporary memory loss, the long-term effects of such views on one’s cognitive abilities are currently being investigated.
Experts in mental health also believe that memory loss caused by depression can improve or deteriorate with the individual’s emotional and mental state.
Dementia and other forms of cognitive decline can have their roots in depression. So it’s crucial to keep tabs on your mental health and not ignore memory issues if you have them.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, seek professional help as soon as possible. You can get their help in figuring out what’s going on. They can then devise a strategy to treat your depression and boost your memory.
References
- https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/depression-and-memory-loss
- https://www.apollopharmacy.in/blog/article/can-depression-cause-memory-loss
- https://www.amenclinics.com/blog/can-depression-and-anxiety-cause-memory-loss-short-term-and-long-term/
- https://cornercanyonhc.com/blog/depression-and-memory-loss/
- https://www.madisonavetms.com/blog/depression-and-memory-loss-does-depression-cause-forgetfulness/
- https://www.forhims.com/blog/depression-and-memory-loss
- https://www.aplaceofhope.com/can-depression-cause-memory-loss/
- https://ezcareclinic.io/does-depression-cause-memory-loss-know-your-facts/
