DOES DEPRESSION CAUSE MEMORY LOSS?
We have all, at some point, been unable to recall recent events or past memories. Memory loss may occur for a brief period and then disappear, or it may persist and worsen over time. However, the severity of your memory loss depends on the cause and varies from person to person. So, does depression cause memory loss?
Causes Of Memory Loss
Factors, including a fresh brain injury, cancer therapy, or depression, can cause memory loss. In addition, mental health issues such as bipolar disorder and multiple sclerosis can also cause memory loss. To best figure out what's causing the condition, schedule an appointment with the doctor.
So How Does Depression Cause Memory Loss?
Today, our primary focus is depression and its relation to memory loss. Depression is linked to short-term memory loss, and unfortunately, it is an overlooked cause of memory loss. Memory disorders, such as forgetfulness or confusion, have been related to depression in recent studies. It may not be easy to concentrate on work or other duties, make judgments, or think clearly while dealing with depression.
Memory problems may be some of the things you will experience during depression. Unfortunately, these memory problems can remain, even after you feel better, mainly because depression affects our working memory. Working memory is short-term, and it is the memory we use to actively remember things from moment to moment. Problems with it can make it difficult to concentrate or make decisions.
Depression can also affect many cognitive functions, like response time, attention and planning, decision-making, and reasoning. Depression also makes it difficult for our brain to switch between tasks and inhibit what can be knee-jerk responses.
In What Ways Does Depression Cause Memory Loss?
PHYSICAL CAUSES TO BRAIN THAT MAY LEAD TO MEMORY LOSS
While depression can influence a person's psychological well-being, it also can affect physical brain structures. Inflammation and oxygen limitation are among the physical alterations, as is natural shrinkage. Depression, according to researchers, triggers changes in the brain that impact memory. For example, too much cortisol stops new brain cells from growing in the hippocampus, a portion of the brain. The disturbance in cognitive function that often accompanies depressive symptoms can occasionally be mistaken for dementia signs.
ANTI-DEPRESSANTS
Some research suggests tranquillizers, anti-depressants, some blood pressure meds, and other medications might cause sleepiness or confusion, impacting memory. It can be tough to pay close attention to new things as a result of this. However, thousands of patients have benefited from anti-depressants, and thousands more continue to benefit. If you've been prescribed antidepressants, you should keep taking them if you're on them now. If you think a new drug is affecting your memory, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
SLEEP DEPRIVATION CAUSED BY MEMORY LOSS
There is a clear correlation between sleep deprivation and depression. An imbalance in key neurotransmitters that govern mood and sleep is linked to depression. Sleep deprivation or excess has an impact on cognitive performance, particularly visual memory and response time. We recommend having 7 to 9 hours of sleep for the brain to function at its best. One of the most common symptoms of clinical depression is the inability to sleep. Sleep deprivation brought on by another medical illness, a sleep disorder, or personal issues might worsen depression.
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IS MEMORY LOSS CAUSED BY DEPRESSION TREATABLE?
If you're suffering from depression-related memory loss, you can take steps to better your situation. You don't have to suffer from memory loss as a long-term side effect of depression. Depression is a mental health disease that health professionals can treat. There are a variety of treatment options available to assist you in getting healthier. Talk to a mental health professional if you're having trouble remembering things. Using our Retiink memory management app could also help you with your memory loss problems.
COPING WITH DEPRESSION MEMORY LOSS
Many people suffer from poor memory and focus as a result of depression. Perhaps using our app can help you remember daily chores to complete and check off as you finish them?
You can use our app for reminders, and you should record critical reminders right away. To get yourself organized, put everything in the app and you will get automatic notifications one hour before and 15 minutes before your appointment or task is due, so you stay on top of things.
If you're having trouble remembering what you need, enlist the help of a friend or family member, they can be your buddies in the app. If you add a buddy to the app, you can add your buddy to any appointments or tasks you need help with. Getting adequate sleep, eating a good diet, and exercising at least three times each week can all assist in improving your mental and physical health.
Don't be afraid to seek treatment from a therapist to support further and learn new coping methods for dealing with depression and memory loss. Keeping notes to remind yourself of whatever you need to remember will also help you.
EFFECTS
Memory loss and difficulties in concentration caused by depression may seem minor at first, but these cognitive flaws can become severe with time. For example, depressed people often feel unable to focus when providing or receiving directions, leading to misunderstandings at home, work, or school.
Suppose other things are going on around you. When reading, comprehension may become challenging, resulting in missing information or a lack of enjoyment. In that case, you may also find that you can't concentrate on a task, distracting you from your intended activity and leaving it incomplete or falling short of expectations.
A doctor should always check out your memory loss because even minor memory loss can indicate a more serious problem. If your doctor suspects depression, inquire about memory-improvement measures and psychiatric treatment. If your memory loss worsens or becomes a problem in your daily life, see your doctor. The underlying cause determines the prognosis for memory loss and depression. Some people find that medication or switching to a different anti-depressant improves their memory loss. Memory loss does not usually worsen when depression is the cause. People who suffer from memory loss may be afraid to seek help out of fear that the situation may be more complicated than they'd hoped. Be different.
We want to help your brain be in the best shape and health, so we developed our Retiink app. Retiink has brain training games, and strategies, tools and resources to keep your brain in good health. Check it out here.
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Thank you for posting this Nicole Yeates 🐝
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