Forgetting common words or names is an experience many people have from time to time. But could there be a link between frequently forgetting words and depression? In this article, we’ll explore the evidence around whether forgetting words can be a symptom of depression.
What causes us to forget words?
There are a few key reasons why we may temporarily forget a word or name:
- Normal aging – Our memory and cognitive processes decline naturally as we get older. Forgetting words more often can be a normal part of aging.
- Stress – Feeling anxious or stressed out can interfere with our ability to recall words.
- Tiredness – When we’re fatigued, it can be harder to access words from our memory.
- Distraction – Trying to juggle too many things at once can make it harder to recall words.
In most cases, forgetting a word here and there is no cause for concern. But if it’s happening regularly, it could point to an underlying condition.
How depression may impair memory and word recall
There are a few ways that depression could contribute to difficulty recalling common words:
- Concentration problems – Depression makes it hard to concentrate and focus your thinking, which can make it harder to form memories and recall words.
- Less activity – When depressed, people tend to be less engaged in work, hobbies, and social interaction. Less activity and mental stimulation can make it harder to recall vocabulary.
- Sleep disturbances – Insomnia and other sleep problems are common with depression. Lack of sleep impairs cognitive function.
- Stress – The anxiety associated with depression can interfere with memory.
- Brain changes – Imaging studies show there are visible changes in the hippocampus and frontal lobes in people with depression. These parts of the brain are vital for memory.
So in several key ways, the cognitive effects of depression can make word-finding more difficult.
Forgetting words is linked to severity of depression
Numerous studies have shown a correlation between the severity of depressive symptoms and the degree of word-finding difficulty:
- A 2016 study tested adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) on their ability to name objects when shown pictures. Those with more severe depression performed worse on the naming test.
- A 2013 study found that people with MDD took longer to name colors on a Stroop test. Those with more severe depression exhibited slower response times.
- A 2007 paper looked at cognitive impairment in people with varying depression severity. The moderately to severely depressed group had noticeable word-finding pauses and difficulties.
The more depressed someone is, the more likely they seem to have word-finding deficits. This indicates there is a link between depression severity and language problems.
Types of memory issues with depression
Depression seems to particularly impair certain aspects of verbal memory and recall:
- Naming/word-finding – Difficulty generating the correct names of objects and words.
- Semantic memory – Forgetting the meanings associated with words and objects.
- Vocabulary recall – Struggling to access vocabulary words from long term memory.
- Tip-of-the-tongue phenomenon – Knowing the word but being temporarily unable to recall it from memory.
Other types of memory like short-term/working memory, episodic memory (recalling events) and implicit memory (recall without conscious awareness) seem less affected by depression.
When to see a doctor
Occasionally forgetting words and names is normal, but seek medical advice if you notice:
- You regularly forget common words and names.
- It’s getting worse over time.
- It’s impacting your ability to work or function.
- You feel much less mentally sharp.
Seeing your doctor can help determine if depression or another condition like mild cognitive impairment is causing your memory issues. Early intervention can help.
Treatments that may help
If depression is contributing to your forgetting words, the following treatments can help:
- Antidepressant medication – SSRIs and SNRIs can reduce depressive symptoms and improve memory.
- Psychotherapy – Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) targets negative thought patterns that impair cognition.
- Brain stimulation – Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) may enhance function in memory regions.
- Exercise – Regular exercise boosts neuroplasticity and new cell growth in the hippocampus.
- Mental stimulation – Challenging your brain daily with puzzles, games or learning new skills helps boost cognition and memory over time.
A comprehensive treatment plan to alleviate depression can help improve word recall and memory.
Coping strategies for word-finding problems
When you’re having trouble finding words, these tips can help:
- Give yourself more time to respond – Don’t feel rushed; pause and think.
- Try paraphrasing the missing word, or describing it.
- Use memory aids and reminders in your home/office.
- Stay mentally active with games and social interaction to exercise your brain.
- Get enough rest so you can focus and think clearly.
Being patient with yourself can take some of the frustration out of temporary word-finding problems. The more you use language and engage your mind, the easier recall tends to become.
The bottom line
In summary, research indicates a strong link between depression and impaired verbal memory, including forgetting words. Depression severity also correlates to the degree of word-finding difficulty.
While occasional lapses are normal, consistently forgetting words and names can signal an underlying problem like depression or cognitive decline that should be evaluated by a doctor. Treatments for depression as well as lifestyle adjustments can often improve word recall.
| Depression Severity | Degree of Impairment |
|---|---|
| Mild | Minimal impairment |
| Moderate | Noticeable impairment |
| Severe | Significant impairment |
This table summarizes the research findings on how depression severity correlates with the degree of verbal memory and word-finding impairment. As depression worsens, the problems with memory and recall become more pronounced.
In closing, if you or a loved one are regularly forgetting words, don’t ignore it. See your doctor to uncover any underlying causes and get appropriate treatment. Targeting depression and maintaining brain health are key to preserving memory and cognitive abilities.