Does Depression Cause Memory Loss in Seniors?

According to the AARP, older adults have experienced a considerable spike in mental health conditions in the last decade. As more and more seniors become aware of their mental health, it's important that we understand aging and cognition.

Atlantic, Iowa, is a phenomenal city to be in if you're focusing on keeping your mind healthy. Our low population keeps things relaxed and slow-paced, while our proximity to the East Nishnabotna River gives residents plenty of opportunities to connect with nature.

One important question in senior mental health is, "Does depression cause memory loss"? If you're curious about memory issues and depression, we're here to help. Read on for a brief overview of mental health in seniors.

Links Between Memory Loss and Depression

Depression has long been understood to have a link to memory loss and challenges with cognitive function. Depression is mostly associated with short-term memory loss. But how does this affect memory?

Short-term memory is the memory in charge of your immediate situation -- hence, short-term. If you're having trouble with short-term memory, you may have problems with focusing, staying on task, and other distractions.

You also may find yourself forgetting immediate information. Someone's name, the details of a current conversation, and even the events of a novel are good examples.

It's important to know that depression is not linked to long-term memory. Long-term memory is in charge of our ability to remember things over a long period of time. Your childhood memories, details about family members, and other such recollections fall into this category.

Depression also does not have a link to procedural memory. Procedural memory is what we use when we're acting on our motor skills. Simply put, depression will not take away the use of your hands, feet, or speech.

Depressive Symptoms

Does depression cause memory loss? While this is true for the short term, it's important not to leave memory as the only symptom.

Depression is a blanket term for several conditions. As such, it's important to understand that it will impact everyone differently. Some types of depression include:

Persistent Depression
Major Depressive Disorder
Seasonal Depression

Because of this, each person may experience something different with their depression. Some common symptoms include:

Feelings of sorrow and anxiety
Feelings of hopelessness or emotional numbness
A sense of indifference
A loss of existing interest in beloved activities
Feeling restless or irritable
Fatigue and low energy
Difficulties with sleeping and headaches
A loss of appetite and changes in weight

One of the first red flags we may notice is that many of these things are problems seniors already deal with. Many of us, for example, experience difficulty sleeping and feelings of fatigue. How, then, can we separate out aging and cognition?

Handling Depression Symptoms and Senior Mental Health

Understanding depression symptoms is important when it's time to focus on mental health. It's particularly crucial to understand how these symptoms can interact with existing conditions. But does depression cause memory loss, or is something else happening behind the scenes?

According to Psychiatric Annals, published within the National Library of Medicine, depression and cognitive impairment are often side-by-side. Studies show that about a quarter of seniors have both conditions.

These symptoms also continue to grow as we age. The same study claims that the number of community residents managing both conditions at once doubles every five years past the age of 70.

Many times, these conditions are related to the same source. Grief can cause depression, while both can cause cognitive issues that can impact memory. However, just as often, these conditions may be independent; memory loss, depression, and conditions like dementia all can have different sources.

To put this simply, this means that cognitive issues may cause depression, but this isn't always the case. Someone suffering from depression may also be suffering from memory loss, but it isn't always the fault of the depression.

How to Battle Elderly Depression

Memory issues and depression are the cornerstone topics in senior mental health. How can we work against cognitive decline and depression in our seniors?

It's crucial to understand that depression isn't a state of mind, but a medical condition. All people battling depression at any age bracket should discuss their condition with their doctor. By doing so, you ensure that you'll receive the attention your condition deserves.

Focusing on Community

One of the holistic approaches to depression is to focus on your community. Many studies have shown that socializing helps to relieve depressive symptoms in all age brackets. Mayo Clinic, for example, claims that socializing will shave off loneliness and sharpen cognitive skills.

Many people struggle to socialize when dealing with depression. That's particularly the case if your depression has been caused by a recent event, such as the loss of a loved one. Other major life events, such as moving cities or retiring, can trigger depression as well.

At Allen Place, we're proud to hold activities and events that keep our seniors social. Browse our Activity Calendar to see what we have planned!

Highlighting Artistic Release

Did you know that creative hobbies are one of the best ways to alleviate symptoms of depression? Many of us struggle to express ourselves or get our feelings out, and art presents an excellent chance to do so.

Artistic therapy involves creating art to express yourself and soothe your heart and mind. Some examples include:

Painting
Mindful journaling
Music and singing
Decoration and designing

Our Vibrant Living program focuses on inspiration, challenges, and adventure. It's the perfect way to start your Path to Wellness.