Key takeaways

  • Research links depression, also called major depressive disorder (MDD), with memory loss and brain fog. Treating depression can help memory improve.
  • Memory problems and depression can reinforce each other. Depression may also make negative memories easier to recall than positive ones, fueling negative thinking.
  • However, depression may not always be the cause of memory loss; a doctor can rule out other causes and recommend testing and treatment options.

Depression, also known as major depressive disorder (MDD), is a mental health condition that affects your mood, thoughts, energy levels, and daily functioning.

While many people recognize depression as a state of persistently low mood, MDD features an array of symptoms, including those that affect cognitive functions, like memory.

If you experience depressive symptoms, you may well be aware of this phenomenon that some people also refer to as “brain fog.”

Memory challenges in depression are a possible symptom of depression.

These memory problems are thought to be bidirectional. That is, depression may cause memory issues, and memory problems can also play a role in causing depressive symptoms.

Research also suggests that depression makes it easier to recall negative memories and harder to recall positive ones. This can lead to a cycle of negative thinking that can be hard to break out of without intentional treatment.

Even if you know you have depression, it’s important not to rule out other causes of memory loss.

Other notable reasons for memory loss include:

  • Typical age-related memory loss: This is common and manageable — an example is forgetting where you put your glasses but remembering later in the day.
  • Mild cognitive impairment: This can alter thinking skills and eventually progress to Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
  • Minor head injury or trauma: This can trigger slight memory problems, even if you didn’t lose consciousness.
  • Forgetfulness: This can be a potential side effect of certain medications.
  • Brain tumors or brain infections: This can affect your memory or trigger dementia-like symptoms.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency: This can cause problems with your memory. This is because you’re not maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.
  • Alcohol or drug misuse: This can impair your mental state and abilities. This can also occur when alcohol interacts with medications.
  • Hypothyroidism: This slows your metabolism, which can lead to memory problems and other issues with thinking.
  • Brain or nerve damage: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease (PD) or multiple sclerosis can cause memory problems. A 2022 narrative review notes that people living with depression appear to have a greater risk of developing PD, and living with PD can raise a person’s chance of developing depression.

Speak with a doctor if you are experiencing symptoms memory loss, so you can receive an accurate diagnosis, whether or not you already have a diagnosis of depression. Your doctor will be able to rule out any other possible causes.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and ask you questions to verify the cause of your memory loss. This can also help them determine the extent of your memory problems.

Your doctor may want to know:

  • when you started experiencing memory problems, and for how long
  • if you’ve been feeling depressed, anxious, or sad recently
  • if you’re taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs regularly, and at what dose
  • if you started a new medication
  • what tasks are difficult to start or complete
  • how you’ve treated your memory issues, and if it has worked
  • how often and how much alcohol you drink
  • if you injured your head or had an accident
  • if you were recently ill
  • if your daily routine has changed

Your doctor may also evaluate your memory and thinking skills with a short question-and-answer test and perform an electroencephalogram to test your brain activity.

They may recommend blood tests and brain imaging tests, such as an MRI, to help them make a diagnosis. They may also refer you to a specialist, such as a neurologist or psychiatrist.

By treating or managing depression, you can help relieve symptoms associated with it, including memory loss. According to the DSM-5-TR, memory problems usually resolve when a major depressive episode is successfully treated.

Depression is typically managed with regular counseling or therapy in combination with antidepressant medication. Leading an active lifestyle and getting involved in your community can also help elevate your mood.

You can also use memory aids to help with your symptoms. Depending on your needs, this could include strategies such as using alarm clocks to keep track of time, color-coding household items, or placing safety notes with instructions on appliances. You may also want to consider hiring a home care provider to help if you need.

Additionally, support groups can provide a useful place to learn and share tips and techniques to improve memory and manage depression.

If you live with depression, memory challenges are common. Memory loss due to depression may improve or worsen depending on your emotional and mental state.

If you notice issues with your memory, your doctor can help. They can work with you to determine the cause. From there, they can create an effective treatment plan to help manage your depression and improve your brain fog and memory issues.