does memory loss go hand in hand with depression?

Question

high blood pressure + depression + drugs to lower blood pressure = memory loss.... your thoughts
when i dropped my bp, i got memory loss, when i dropped my pulse i got more, when i get stressed, my memory goes out the window....

hi, dont need sugestions of talking to doctors thanks, im more interested in your own oppinions..

Answer 1

Unfortunately, one of the side effects of many of the blood pressure meds is generalized depression, and since you already indicate that you have the diagnosis of depression, it may have exacerbated that.

Another thought that comes to mind is that the blood vessels in your brain have been used to an elevated pressure and are not supplying some areas of your brain when the pressure is below this. My understanding is that this will get better, as the vessels adapt to the new, now normal pressure.

You don't say how disruptive or pervasive this memory loss is, or how it affects your life.

I am going to connect some dots here. Implied in the fact that you are asking this forum rather than your regular doctor indicates either you do not like/trust him/her or do not feel as though your concerns merit serious consideration by the doctor. You may wish to consider actually switching docs, one that you feel comfortable enough with to contact with side effects you are having and one that won't just brush you off over the phone or worse yet, through their staff.

ABOVE ALL, do NOT stop taking your meds. A stroke would make you VERY depressed and you don't want that.

Answer 2

Depression is a hard thing for people to go through, there are lots of emotions going on, part of that is stress and the more stress you have the worse your memory becomes, its an unfair vicious circle, have you tried meditation to help relax you, its really easy and costs nothing but your time, just sit in a comfy chair or on the sofa, you could even lie on the bed if you want, close your eyes and starting at your feet relax every part of your body, try not to think of anything except a nice place, like maybe a riverbank on a warm summers day, your toes are dipped in the water and the only sound you can hear is silence all around you, hold that thought and place in your mind for as long as you can, usually about 10 minuets at least, when you feel ready, open your eyes slowly and breath nice relaxed breaths, try to do meditation at least once a day, persevere as it really does help with stress and when the stress fades your memory will be back, good luck.

Answer 3

Yes there is a link, you can get help though, speak to your GP about the blood pressure drops, it is entirely possible that your depression is purely a result of the blood pressure problems.
I know someone who had severe drops in blood pressure and her memory went all to pot and she had big bouts of depression and also anger.
It is also true that the drugs for these conditions could be causing some of the problems as there are contra-indications for many drugs which could mean that in your case they need to have the dosage or even the drug changed.
Either way, these changes in blood pressure and bouts of depression should be looked into. See your GP and talk it through. That's what they are there for.

Good luck

Answer 4

Yeah, it can be. I've been on and off medication for depression for years. When I was at rock bottom I would sometimes become confused and disorientated, which sometimes involved memory loss. I'd get people coming up to me and saying 'Hi Lawrence, how's it going?' and as far as I was concerned I'd never even met them! I'm now on medication that seems to do the trick and the problem has gone away. Hopefully it will for you too. Good luck.

Answer 5

I think it could be hormone related...depression and memory loss are both due to imbalances. I always feel better and are a little sharper when I'm drinking lots of water during the day.

Answer 6

Memory loss is a major red flag of depression for me. I think it begins with a high stress level, which messes with my body chemistry and, left untreated, leads to depression. Be sure to talk to your doc.

Answer 7

It's a defence mechanism: more memory, more depression, then depression causes loss of memory sothat depression is remedied! Medication promotes the memory loss, but solves the depression problem.

Answer 8

yeah memory loss does go with being depressed. it could also be a side effect of the medication. I suffer from loads of different side effects caused by my tablets. its only small amounts but various things such as tiredness, sensitive to light. poor memory,
and Unfortunately for my other half...low libido (sex drive)

what makes me laugh is in the information sheet i get with my medication it says that one of the side effects is, feeling depressed and feeling suicidal ???

Answer 9

Stress affects everyone's mental perfomance - concentration and memory go out of the window.

Answer 10

Yes, could easily be.
Brain chemistry is very complex. Small differences in mood can have profound effects on many parts of the body.