Which Comes First- Depression or Memory Loss?

Which Comes first? Depression or Memory Loss?

“I knew I was old when the day came that I needed to try to remember to tell the pharmacy clerk not to give me “child proof” caps so that they are easier to unscrew.”

There are so many difficult changes as we age. One day we have a full life with a family, career, and outside interests and activities. Suddenly, without warning, it creeps up on us. Our bodies don’t feel the same. Our eyes don’t see as well.

At work, we secretly know that we are not quite as “quick.” We wonder if it is that we don’t care as much, or maybe we are bored. Inside though, we are beginning to think that maybe we are just not as sharp.

The people manning the registers in the stores look younger and younger. First, they look like our kids. Then one day, they look like our grand children.

On the job, your boss is younger than you are. It sucks. And worse, you are old enough to remember when it wasn’t o.k. to use the word “sucks.”

The day comes when it’s time to move on from the things that defined you as “you.” Your family has grown. Your career has ended. Your body is like a bicycle wheel that needs grease.

And worse, it hurts like hell!

All you want to do is watch TV. It doesn’t even give you much pleasure any more to talk with friends and family on the phone. The conversations are all the same. The only thing that is not the same is your life. Where did it go?

You’ve been sucked (there it is again!) into a vicious vortex spiral of depression defined only by a sense of ever-increasing emotional and physical pain that leaves you paralyzed, able only to try to remember where the flicker is. And it is getting harder to remember how to use it.

Are you depressed? Is this normal because, after all, there is lots to be depressed about?

Is your memory failing because you are depressed? Or are you depressed because your memory is failing? What can you do to reverse or stop memory loss?

Can anything lift you out of the sinkhole suffocating your life?

Does Depression Naturally Go With Age?

Well, Yes and No. No, it doesn’t naturally go with aging itself, but depression can be associated with things that go along with aging. Clinical depression is an illness, that is treatable with medication. But you may have the power to change your attitude to find relief from feelings of sadness. You Need to Know:

IT’S A NEW CHAPTER

Your life isn’t over. You have entered a new chapter. Imagine this- all the hard work of living, growing, learning, and NOW, you have the opportunity to take everything you have lived and learned and CREATE your next chapter! What will you create? What is your legacy?

Check out the ideas at Purpose and Meaning, then make a list of what matters to you! Tell us what you have decided to do to begin creating your new chapter!

MEDICATIONS CAUSE MOOD CHANGES

Your mental health is directly related to your physical health. Fix what is ailing you and feel better, all over.

Did you know that 15-20% of depressions are relate to medical illness or medications? Medications that can cause depression include heart and blood pressure drugs, hormones, tranquilizers, Insomnia Aids, Sedatives, Antibiotics, and even anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofin!

ILLNESS CAN CAUSE DEPRESSION

Hypothyroidism (too little thyroid hormone in your body) can leave you feeling exhausted and depressed. Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, viruses and infections, and even nutritional deficiencies are all possible causes of mood disorders. Vitamin supplements, particularly vitamin B12, may help you feel better! And Folic Acid may help improve your memory!

Rectangular Callout: Nobody believes us that it’s just vitamin B12!

Laughter is the best medicine!!

When did you first know you were old??

Share a good laugh with others and Win a WhatsYourNameAgain.com hat!!

DEPRESSION CAN MAKE YOU ILL

It’s a fact. As reported in a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine, people who suffer from depression have 73% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease.

CHRONIC DEPRESSION CAN LEAD TO CANCER

According to the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, people who are chronically depressed are 88% more likely to develop cancer.

DEPRESSION CAN BE MISTAKEN FOR DEMENTIA

Depression affects areas in the brain that impact both memory and mood. In clinical depression, chemical messengers called neurotransmitters may fire into the brain synapses more slowly, and some miss the mark entirely.

AGE ALONE DOES NOT CAUSE DEPRESSION, BUT…

Studies show that age alone does not correlate to clinical depression. However, longitudinal studies tracking seniors over years have shown a connection between depression and risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or reduced cognitive abilities. If you are depressed, take steps to treat it today!

The Bottom Line:

Depression may impact memory and some causes of memory loss may also lead to depression. If you are depressed, take steps to treat it today!

Memory problems and depression, too? Not sure if you are clinically depressed or just feeling down? Click here: Depression Symptoms & Self-Test

Click here to learn how to improve memory and strengthen cognitive functioning.