Effective treatment could preserve memory function.
New research suggests a close relationship between depression and memory decline among older individuals.
Dr. Dorina Cadar, senior study author from University College London, highlighted that their study revealed a bidirectional link between depressive symptoms and poor memory. “Depressive symptoms precede memory decline, and memory decline is associated with subsequent depressive symptoms,” she explained in a university news release. Cadar emphasized that effective treatment for depression could potentially help preserve memory function as people age.
The findings emerged from an analysis of data spanning 16 years from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing, involving nearly 8,300 adults with an average age of 64. Researchers tracked participants through questionnaires every two years, uncovering the intricate relationship between depression and memory.
Interestingly, while depression showed a strong correlation with memory decline, the study did not find a similar association with another marker of brain health, verbal fluency.
Cadar, a research fellow in dementia at UCL, pointed out that depression’s impact on memory could be attributed to changes in brain structures like the hippocampus, crucial for memory formation and retrieval. She also noted that chronic stress and elevated cortisol levels, common in depression, may harm neurons in these brain regions. Furthermore, disruptions in serotonin and dopamine balance, coupled with impaired brain plasticity, could exacerbate memory problems associated with depression.
The study team also hypothesized that depression’s tendency to foster rumination — repetitive dwelling on negative thoughts — might contribute to memory issues. Conversely, struggles with memory lapses could lead to feelings of insecurity and frustration, potentially triggering depressive episodes or social isolation.
Jiamin Yin, the study’s lead author, emphasized the importance of monitoring memory changes in older adults experiencing increased depressive symptoms. Early detection of memory loss could help prevent further deterioration in both memory function and depressive symptoms. Yin, now a doctoral student at the University of Rochester, stressed the critical need to treat depressive symptoms promptly to mitigate the risk of developing memory dysfunction.
In conclusion, the study underscores the significance of addressing depressive symptoms in older adults to safeguard cognitive health and overall well-being.
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