closely linked, with each one having an impact on the other. The study found that older adults with depressive symptoms experienced a decline in memory over time, and those with poor memory were more likely to experience an increase in depressive symptoms. The research, conducted by UCL and Brighton and Sussex Medical School, analyzed data from 8,268 adults in England over a 16 year period. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open.The connection between depression and poor memory is very close, and it seems that they both have an impact on each other. Dr. Dorina Cadar, a senior author from the UCL Department of Behavioural Science & Health and Brighton and Sussex Medical School, explained that it has been known that older people often experience depression and poor memory simultaneously, but it has been unclear which comes first. The study shows that there is a two-way relationship between depression and poor memory, with depressive symptoms leading to memory decline and memory decline leading to subsequent depressive symptoms. The study also suggests that reducing depressive symptoms through interventions may help slow down memory decline.Lead author Jiamin Yin, a UCL graduate and current doctoral student at the University of Rochester in New York, emphasized the significance of monitoring memory changes in older adults with increasing depressive symptoms. This is crucial for identifying memory loss early and preventing further decline in depressive function. On the other hand, addressing depressive symptoms among individuals with memory decline is also essential in order to safeguard them from developing depression and memory dysfunction. The research team proposed that depression could impact memory as a result of depression-related changes in the brain.brain. These can include imbalances in neurochemicals (e.g. lower levels of serotonin and dopamine), changes in the structure of regions involved in memory processing, and disruptions to the brain’s ability to reorganize and form new connections.
The researchers stated that memory impairments may also stem from psychological factors such as rumination – repetitive thinking or dwelling on negative emotions.
Conversely, individuals who experience memory lapses or difficulties retaining new information may experience frustration, loss of confidence, and feelings of incompetence, which are common triggers for depressive episodes. Memory impa rnrnirment, it can also affect daily activities and social relationships, which can lead to loneliness and potentially trigger feelings of depression.
Dr. Cadar explained: “Depression can impact the structure of the brain, including the hippocampus, which is important for memory. Long-term stress and high levels of cortisol linked to depression can harm neurons in these areas. However, it’s important to further understand the connections between memory decline and depression in order to create targeted interventions that can improve mood and slow down cognitive decline in people with depression and memory issues.”
For.The study analyzed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), which involves a nationally representative sample of the population in England answering a wide range of questions every two years.
Individuals who initially had higher levels of depressive symptoms were at a greater risk of experiencing faster memory decline later on. Conversely, those with poorer memory at the start were more likely to later experience an increase in depressive symptoms.
Furthermore, participants who experienced a greater increase in depressive symptoms during the study were also more likely to undergo a steeper decline in memory over time.At the same time, those with a greater decline in memory were more likely to experience an increase in depressive symptoms. The connection between verbal fluency and depressive symptoms was not as clear. Although lower verbal fluency was related to more depressive symptoms initially, changes in one did not necessarily lead to changes in the other over time.
The researchers took into consideration various factors that could have influenced the findings, including physical activity and life-threatening illnesses. They emphasized that as an observational study, it could not determine causality. The study and its authors were backed by the National Institutes of Health.The study was funded by the Institute of Aging, the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the National Institute for Health and Research (NIHR), Alzheimer’s Society UK, and Alzheimer’s Research UK.
