Mood disorders and cognitive decline: Understanding the roots and diagnostic approaches
Symptoms of depression, as indicated by various studies, may encompass feelings of sadness and mood changes, affecting multiple facets of one's functioning. This complexity might include impacting memory capabilities.
Early investigations into the effects of depression on memory have revealed that individuals displaying depression symptoms reported experiencing memory problems and other indications of depression. This finding suggests that memory loss could potentially be viewed as a symptom of depression.
Some older individuals may mistakenly attribute symptoms of depression to dementia. According to certain studies, depression can exacerbate a person's performance on brain function tests over time.
A piece published in the British Journal of Psychiatry suggests that certain affective disorders, including depression, may augment the risk of dementia, particularly when treatment is neglected.
Types of memory that depression can affect
Individuals diagnosed with depression often encounter difficulties in recollecting specific memories, thereby suggesting that depression may affect various memory categories, such as declarative and autobiographical memories.
A study conducted in 2013 discovered that a group of young adults demonstrated inadequate performance in pattern separation. Pattern separation refers to the brain's method of encoding memories of similar occurrences and stimuli.
Impaired pattern separation may lead to confusion when pondering one's whereabouts, particularly when multiple similar locations have been visited. These findings support the theory that depression could lessen the performance of declarative memory, which includes facts and event memories.
The researchers hypothesized that depression may slow down the generation of nerve cells, making it challenging to form or access new memories.
A 2018 study revealed that individuals living with depression may also struggle with remembering specific elements of their autobiographical memories. Researchers noticed that individuals with depression preferentially over-generalize their autobiographical memories, recalling little detail.
Research on depression and memory
Researchers have identified a correlation between depression and various types of memory loss, including impaired short-term memories and memory loss associated with dementia. According to the International Neuropsychiatric Disease Journal, some depression medications can influence memory.
Short-term memory loss
Depression may induce short-term memory loss. A study found that memory complaints correlated with more severe depression symptoms in individuals with depression.
Previous research identified a clear relationship between depression and cognitive performance. Individuals with depression exhibited difficulties with attention and memory, as well as executive function.
Another 2014 study discovered that the effects of depression persisted in memory even after treatment. This study discovered that individuals with a prior history of depression were more likely to remember negative adjectives from a list compared to individuals who had never experienced depression.
Dementia
A potential connection exists between depression and dementia, although scientists have found this link challenging to decipher.
In many cases, the cognitive impairments experienced by some older adults due to depression might serve as an early warning sign of dementia. Researchers assert that depression could be an early symptom of an underlying neurodegenerative condition.
Other research has demonstrated that individuals with depression may exhibit reduced grey matter volume. For instance, a study detailing grey matter changes in individuals with depression discovered grey matter volume decreases in regions of the brain associated with emotion and working memory.
Dementia may also exhibit decreased grey matter levels, suggesting that depression and dementia may cause similar structural changes in the brain, leading to some of the same symptoms.
Long-term studies
A 2019 study reviewed data from the National Child Development Study, a long-term study of children into adulthood. It found that individuals who displayed symptoms of depression in their twenties were more likely to experience poorer immediate memory and delayed memory when they reached 50.
This observation does not necessarily imply that depression causes memory loss later in life, as other factors might contribute to this phenomenon. More research is needed to unravel the link between depression and dementia.
Antidepressants
Researchers have also identified a link between antidepressants and memory loss.
Tricyclic antidepressants may increase the risk of memory problems in some individuals. A study found that people taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) also experienced a decline in memory function within 8 weeks of starting treatment.
More research may shed light on whether this decline continues or improves following the body's adaptation to the medication.
Managing memory loss
Little research has explored strategies for addressing memory loss in individuals with depression. For some people, addressing depression may alleviate memory loss. A healthcare provider can help an individual evaluate treatment options and monitor progress over time.
Other strategies may also be beneficial. These include:
- creating reminders for upcoming events
- taking time to commit information to memory
- working in a distraction-free environment, if possible
- focusing on one task at a time
- using digital calendars for automatic notifications
Learn about eight techniques that can enhance memory here.
Other causes of memory loss
An individual with depression and memory loss should not assume that depression is the sole culprit, especially if the memory issues interfere with daily tasks. Dementia, traumatic brain injuries, infections, and other causes might also impair memory.
Memory testing
If a doctor suspects memory loss is an issue, they may suggest that an individual undergoes some tests. A doctor may also recommend additional testing, such as a brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to examine for brain injuries or blood work to assess infection signs.
When to consult a doctor
A person ought to consult a physician whenever they notice signs of memory loss, as even the slightest memory impairment might indicate a more severe issue. If a medical professional suspects depression as the underlying cause, they might suggest strategies to enhance memory and recommend psychological therapy. Keep in touch with the physician if memory loss intensifies or disrupts daily activities.
Prospects
The progression of memory loss and depression hinges on the underlying condition. Some individuals witness improved memory once treatment is initiated or they switch to a different antidepressant. However, depression-induced memory loss generally remains stable.
When dementia or another neurodegenerative disease is to blame for memory loss, symptoms tend to deteriorate persistently, leading to additional cognitive issues.
People might feel anxious and hesitant about seeking treatment due to memory loss. Yet, it's crucial to engage in a conversation with a physician who can allay fears, pinpoint the cause of memory loss, and suggest various treatment options.
The study conducted in 2018 further indicates that depression affects not only declarative memory but also autobiographical memories, as individuals living with depression were found to over-generalize their autobiographical memories.
Depression medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), have been associated with a decline in memory function in some individuals, according to certain research.
Individuals diagnosed with dementia often experience depression, making it challenging to decipher whether one condition is causing the other or if they are both symptoms of an underlying neurodegenerative condition.
