Research shows that stress and depression may cause some forms of memory loss. Prolonged depression or stress leads to elevated levels of plasma cortisol, a "stress" hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol appears to shrink the hippocampus, the central unit in the brain that is associated with AD. Elevated levels of cortisol during prolonged depression appear to wear down the hippocampus. When depression is treated, cognitive function, including memory, improves. The earlier symptoms are recognized, the more likely the deterioration can be slowed. Much more research is needed, as it is still unclear if all patients with AD have elevated plasma cortisol levels. Phosphatidylserine enhances cortisol-receptor sensitivity and restores hypothalamic sensitivity to cortisol through its membrane stabilization properties, resulting in reduced damage and restoration of healthy, normal cortisol levels.
Studies have shown that many anti-depressants are no more effective than placebos. Please be careful you embark onto a medication based depression recovery program.
A good supplement that can help depression is PHOSPHATIDYL SERINE (PS)
This fatty acid optimizes a variety of functions at the nerve membrane of each nerve cell. PS provides metabolic support for memory, learning, and concentration for decline in cognitive function that is well underway by the 5th decade of life.
PS works in totally different pathway as compared to Gingko and N-Acetyl-L-Carnitine (NAC) which are also nutritional supplement with cognitive function enhancing effects. Optimum intake is 60-120mg per day. Many studies spanning 30 years indicate that PS supports EG integration, and circadian rhythms of hormone release. Various clinical trials indicate that PS can help to imrove memory, learning, vocabulary skills, and concentration, as well as mood, alertness, and sociability.