A link has been observed between depressive symptoms and memory loss, showing that these two conditions can influence each other over time.
- Depressive symptoms, such as constant sadness, are linked to future memory decline in older adults.
- Poorer memory is also associated with a later increase in depressive symptoms.
- “The relationship between depression and poor memory goes both ways. (…) This also suggests that interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms could help slow memory decline,” the researchers said.
Constant sadness, loss of interest and pleasure, insomnia, abnormal fatigue… These symptoms occur in the event of a depressive episode. “Depression and cognitive decline often coexist in older adults and share several mechanisms. Although cognitive dysfunction has been associated with increased depressive symptoms, the direction of this association remains unclear,” reported scientists from the University of Rochester (USA) and University College London (England). That is why they decided to conduct a study, the results of which were published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
In this study, the researchers set out to determine whether there was a bidirectional link between depressive symptoms and cognitive function in English adults aged 50 or older over a 16-year follow-up period. To do this, they looked at data from an ageing cohort. The cohort included 8,268 people, 4,517 of whom were women, with an average age of 64. Participants answered a series of questions every two years. The results showed that people with higher depressive symptoms were more likely to experience a faster decline in memory later, while those who started with poorer memory were more likely to experience a later increase in depressive symptoms.
Depression and memory are closely linked
According to the authors, depression may affect memory because of brain changes related to the mental illness. These changes include neurochemical imbalances (for example, lower levels of serotonin and dopamine), structural changes in regions involved in memory processing, and disruptions in the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections.
Memory problems may also be triggered by psychological factors, such as rumination. Another finding is that patients with memory problems or difficulty retaining new information may experience frustration, loss of confidence, and feelings of incompetence, which are common triggers for depressive episodes. Memory problems can also interfere with daily functioning and social interactions, leading to social isolation that can trigger depressive symptoms.
“Interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms could help slow memory decline”
“Our study shows that the relationship between depression and poor memory goes both ways, with depressive symptoms preceding memory decline and memory decline being related to subsequent depressive symptoms. This also suggests that interventions aimed at reducing depressive symptoms could help slow memory decline,” said Dorina Cadarco-author of the research.
