According to the National Council on Aging (NCOA), depression, a mental disorder that causes long-term negative feelings such as sadness and hopelessness, affects 16% of U.S. adults 65 and over. The NCOA also says that an estimated 12% of seniors have Alzheimer's disease and dementia, brain disorders that cause cognitive skill impairment like memory loss. Moreover, they can co-exist with each other, meaning seniors who have depression may also experience dementia and vice versa.
So, can depression cause memory loss, then? What's the connection between these two, anyway? Most importantly, what strategies are available for treating or managing these conditions?
Please read on, as the caring team at Discovery Commons Raincross, our senior living community in Riverside, CA, has shared insights that answer those questions in this guide.
Yes, depression can cause memory loss and other signs of cognitive decline in seniors. As an article from Healthline.com points out, depression can result in "brain fog" or cognitive dysfunction, which can include:
All those memory-related and cognitive problems can make a person feel even more depressed.
Penn Medicine News says that researchers found evidence that individuals diagnosed with depression were more than twice as likely to get diagnosed with dementia in their later years.
As mentioned above, one of the key symptoms of dementia is memory loss. However, the researchers of this study say it remains unclear as to how exactly depression can increase dementia risks in later life.
A different study cited by Medical News Today demonstrated other connections between depression and memory loss:
The researchers say that the connection involves a decrease in the brain's frontal lobe activity, which occurs in people with depression. Along with this change is a reduced ability of the brain to hold things in working memory, which could explain how depression can cause memory loss and vice versa.
While there is no cure for depression or dementia, there are many ways to treat them and enhance cognitive and mental health in elderly adults. Here are some of the best ways to manage them and their symptoms, including the memory-related problems they cause.
Older adults with depression-related memory problems or dementia have a higher risk of withdrawing from life. However, this may only worsen their condition, as it can lead to social isolation and loneliness, which the U.S. CDC says can increase one's risk for:
So, as much as possible, older adults, even those without depression or memory loss problems, should stay as socially connected to and emotionally supported by loving family and friends. It can help improve moods and mental health. Plus, it can minimize the risk of the consequences of social isolation and loneliness.
Depression can cause sleep problems, making it difficult to fall and stay asleep. The problem is that sleep is crucial to memory formation and consolidation. As a result, people with depression often have problems processing memories.
For seniors with depression and sleep problems, creating a sleep sanctuary can help. They can set the thermostat to the most comfortable level and use window treatments to block out lights and sounds.
Maintaining a regular sleep schedule can also be beneficial. It involves going to bed at the same time every night and avoiding screened devices for one to two hours before bedtime.
One of the best ways to manage the symptoms of depression and dementia is by participating in fun and engaging senior activities. Such activities stimulate the brain and help improve neuroplasticity.
Neuroplasticity is the brain's ability to grow, change, or reorganize neural networks. It benefits individuals by:
Moreover, activities that promote recreation, socialization, and physical fitness can promote positive emotions and help ease depressive symptoms. Some of the best examples are:
Incorporating as many of these activities into one's daily schedule can promote better overall physical and mental health in seniors.
Discovery Commons Rainscross is a warm, loving senior community in Riverside, CA, offering quality assisted living and senior memory care services. Our highly experienced and trained staff provides round-the-clock companionship, socialization, and compassionate, personalized care to our residents.
Our senior living community also prioritizes healthy aging and senior well-being through our other numerous amenities and services, such as:
Our attentive and supportive services aim to make our residents lead happier, more connected, and more active lifestyles that help keep them content and physically and mentally engaged.
While the answer to the question, "Can depression cause memory loss," is yes, the good news is that both are manageable. From seeking support from loved ones to getting adequate sleep and moving to a senior living community, these strategies can help manage such conditions and ease their symptoms.
Discovery Commons Raincross, our senior living community ideally situated between Los Angeles and San Diego, offers compassionate, highly individualized care for older adults seeking assisted living or memory care services in Riverside, CA. Our residents have access to round-the-clock support, senior wellness programs, high-quality amenities, and a loving, home-like environment that promotes healthy aging.
Speak with us today to discover how we make a massive, positive difference in our residents' lives!