January 13, 2015

New Study Shows Depression May Reduce Memory Function

Photo by Chad Madden on Unsplash

A new study, published in the journal Cognition and Emotion, found that people who experience constant depressive thoughts may be more likely to experience problems with memory as well.

During the study, researchers induced depressive thoughts in the participants in order to observe how these thoughts impacted short-term memory. Each participant first took a survey where they responded “true” or “false” to a variety of negative ideas. Immediately following the survey, researchers read the participants a list of numbers to remember.

Out of 157 participants, 60 were classified as depressed and 97 were classified as non-depressed. The results showed that those who were depressed recalled significantly less numbers than the non-depressed when responding to negative information. However, when responding to neutral information, both the depressed and non-depressed participants were about equal.

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The study authors believe these results may help significantly in the diagnosis and treatment of cognitive problems in those suffering from depression. The findings may also motivate more individuals to seek treatment if they are aware of this negative impact on memory.

“Understanding and accurately diagnosing memory loss in depression is paramount for developing an effective therapeutic approach,” stated the study’s lead author, Nicholas Hubbard, a doctoral candidate at the Center for Brain Health at the University of Texas at Dallas. “Our findings implicate that therapeutic approaches such as teaching one to recognize and inhibit depressive thoughts could be a key aspect to treating cognitive deficits in depression.”

Below, Dr. Millie Lytle, ND of InVite® Health weighs in on the nutritional aspects of depression –

What are the key nutrients that can help with depression?

Depression often follows a state of anxiety – therefore, the two often go hand in hand, though some people are affected more by anxiety and others more by depression. In both cases, nutrient deficiencies can be a big culprit. You require vitamins and minerals found in the healthiest of foods in order to make neurotransmitters serotonin (for the feeling of well-being), and dopamine (for the feeling of joy). When key nutrients are depleted because of a poor diet, alcohol intake, drug use or prescription medication interactions, you are not able to make important brain chemicals (called neurotransmitters), so you feel anxious, depressed or both.

Whey Protein and other good protein sources contain all the amino acids, such as Tryptophan and Tyrosine, that produce your healthy brain chemicals. You need between 60-175 grams of protein per day. The bigger you are, the more protein you need. Vegetarian sources of protein like beans, legumes, nuts and seeds are recommended.

Low levels of B-Vitamins, including B6 and folic acid have been shown to be prevalent in those with depression. Especially if you have a low nutrient diet, supplement with B100 once or twice per day.

SAMe is involved in the conversion of B vitamins to neurotransmitters, this can help you use your B vitamins for the production of beneficial chemicals like glutathione. Take on an empty stomach.

5-HTP is a precursor for the mood stabilizer Serotonin. Take in the morning and afternoon with a small amount of carbohydrate.

Krill Oil helps build brain matter, and the choline naturally contained in Krill oil makes acetylcholine. Acetylcholine calms and relaxes the brain. Krill oil is anti-inflammatory as well and can protect the brain from stress.

Vitamin D3 3000 – Known as the sunshine vitamin, Vitamin D3 deficiency is a cause for Seasonal Affective Disorder or SAD and has been used to boost mood especially in gray and dark weather.

Probiotics – Did you know that part of your brain is in your gut? Good bacteria in the intestines stimulates serotonin release, improving and regulating your mood. If you’ve been on antibiotics, have IBS or frequent constipation or diarrhea, use probiotics for 6 months to recolonize and increase serotonin receptor activity in your digestive track. It might sound far-fetched, but the body is a unit that works together in an amazing way!

Are there any other factors other than nutrient deficiencies?

Yes – Mood disorders, including insomnia, can also be a result of blood sugar problems. If your blood sugar is low and you have hypoglycemia, you can be fatigued, listless and depressed. If you’ve consumed too many stimulants such as caffeine, alcohol, tea, or even street drugs you can suffer from mood swings including depression and anxiety. Lastly, adequate sleep is necessary since insomnia destabilizes your natural body clock called the Circadian Rhythm. When the Circadian clock is imbalanced, you cannot produce enough of the sleep hormone melatonin. If melatonin is low, then serotonin will be low the following day. It’s important to sleep before midnight for 7-9 hours in order to improve mood. Oversleeping can be a sign of depression.