By Dr. Cynthia Fu, University of East London — The Conversation UK — 9 February 2021
Up to three in five people with depression may experience cognitive impairments including problems with working memory — the short-term memory used to actively remember things from moment to moment. Depression is linked to widespread changes in brain structure and function, including in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala. People with depression often have a smaller hippocampus, and their brains have to work harder during memory tasks by recruiting additional brain regions. Memory problems can persist even after other depressive symptoms have improved, and can impact work performance and relationships. Exercise, talking therapies, cognitive training, and in some cases antidepressants can help improve working memory.