There is a link between depression and short-term memory loss.
Stress and anxiety can lead to poor memory.
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Can Depression Cause Memory Loss?
Viktoriya Skorikova / Getty Images
What the Research Says
Depression can make youlose memory.
A 2024 study of more than 8,000 individuals examined depression and memory symptoms over the course of 16 years.
It found a bidirectional relationship between depression and memory loss.
This is just one reason thattreating depressionis so important.
The reasons behind this are not well understood.
Is Memory Loss a Sign of Depression?
Memory loss could be a sign of depression.
However, memory loss associated with depression can sometimes look like dementia to an outsider.
Naturally, you may be concerned about what could be causing this change.
Some notable differences between memory loss in depression and dementia are listed below.
Your healthcare provider will likely first ask about your medical history and any symptoms.
Due to the nature of memory loss, they may also ask your family or friends for their input.
If yourshort-term memoryis impacted by depression, be sure to take your medication and follow your treatment plan.
Any memory loss should be taken seriously to get an accurate diagnosis and prevent further potential memory loss.
The same goes for depression, which is a serious mental health condition but highly treatable.
When online, visit988lifeline.orgfor its chat line.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can also help by calling800-662-HELP (4357).
They also tend to remember negative events more strongly than positive events.
Treating depression can help prevent future episodes and worsening memory.
Harvard Health Publishing.Is it dementia or depression?
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Penn Medicine.Memory loss.
Harvard Health Publishing.Stuck in a brain fog?
Look in your medicine cabinet.
National Institute on Aging.Memory problems, forgetfulness, and aging.
Sarris J, O’Neil A, Coulson CE, Schweitzer I, Berk M.Lifestyle medicine for depression.BMC Psychiatry.
