Does Depression Cause Memory Loss?
Understanding the Link Between Depression and Cognitive Changes Depression can affect far more than mood alone, and one of the most commonly reported concerns among individuals seeking help at Friendly Recovery Center is difficulty with memory, focus, and general mental clarity. These cognitive changes often occur because depression disrupts the brain regions responsible for processing and recalling information, particularly the hippocampus, which plays a central role in forming new memories. When someone is experiencing prolonged emotional distress, the brain may prioritize survival-oriented responses over higher-level cognitive functions, leading to lapses in short-term memory, trouble concentrating, and slowed thinking.