Short-Term Memory Status in Depression Patients of North Karnataka, India

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:Cognitive deficit especially involving memory is associated with depression. The objectives of this study were to assess the short-term memory status in patients of depression and to compare the same with age and sex matched literate controls of north Karnataka (India). METHODS: 15 depressive patients were randomly selected with 37.7 + 4.16 (Mean + SEM) and compared with age and sex matched normal literate controls individually for this study. Short-term memory status was assessed by using cognitive tasks, which included verbal tasks (non word repetition task, digit span test and word span test), and visual tasks (Benton visual retention test and object test). RESULTS: The depressive patients were found to be more affected in most of the verbal and visual task methods compared to normal controls. CONCLUSION: Poor performance of verbal and visual memory tasks by the patients with depression might be at the level of attentional set shifting/working memory, processing speed and execution of task.

Effect of yoga practice on cognitive functions among the patients of depression

“…3,4 Neuropsychological studies have discovered that depressed people have impaired short-term memory processing, executive functioning, a deficit in sustained attention, and impairment of cognitive functions. 5 Depression also has an impact on spatial working memory (WM), visual memory, and psychomotor speed, as well as a lack of energy during both initial sensory processing and the planning and execution of psychomotor tasks. 5 Depressionrelated cognitive dysfunction affects other domains such as executive functions, short-term memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, which rely on prefrontal function.…”

“…5 Depression also has an impact on spatial working memory (WM), visual memory, and psychomotor speed, as well as a lack of energy during both initial sensory processing and the planning and execution of psychomotor tasks. 5 Depressionrelated cognitive dysfunction affects other domains such as executive functions, short-term memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, which rely on prefrontal function. 4 Depression also increased vulnerability to…”