ADHD vs Depression: Which One Affects Your Memory More?

Brain fog, forgetfulness, memory problems... Is it ADHD, depression, or even early signs of dementia? In this video, we'll unravel the mystery behind memory loss and mental health, explore the surprising connections between ADHD, depression, and cognitive function, and provide practical strategies for improving your memory and boosting your brainpower. Don't let memory problems hold you back – understanding the cause is the first step to finding solutions.

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Disclaimer: All of the information on this channel is for educational purposes and not intended to be specific/personal medical advice from me to you. Watching the videos or getting answers to comments/question, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship. If you have your own doctor, perhaps these videos can help prepare you for your discussion with your doctor.

[Joe-bhpf]

I'm 58 years old, I sometime cry on and off for hours. This shit is killing me inside, i can't live a regular human life. I don't have medical benefits, so I have to grin and bare it. This feeling has ruined so many things in my life, and actually Im afraid of this feeling as I get older.

[Loneranian]

Much of my depression can be traced back to my ADHD. The everyday struggle with trying to stay focused and being organized makes everything feel overwhelming and pointless. Also making every simple task feel like a complicated challenge. I’m always feeling unaccomplished as I’m always behind on my tasks as I get distracted so easily. I have also struggled with isolation and loneliness because my ADHD makes social interactions really tough. I often struggle with keeping conversations going and reading social cues, which makes it hard to connect with others, like I’m always stuck on the outside looking in. ADHD really keeps my life on difficult mode 24/7.

[Allbeautylab]

Adding another layer to this: decline in estrogen in women in perimenopause and menopause cause memory issues, depression, anxiety, panic attacks in some women. So sometimes the underlying issue might be deeper than we think. Unfortunately, the medical system is not meant to look a person holistically. Fortunately, the medicine keeps evolving and hopefully more medical professionals keep up with the literature

[zasta]

One of the things I've noticed about mental health, is that many disorders *co-exist* most of the times. A little bit of this, a little bit of that. And eventually, you have a complex cuisine of disorders, you can't pinpoint and you keep ping ponging between them along with your therapist.

[ShineLikeFireflies]

I'm so glad you made this video. Cognitive impairment was one of my absolute hardest symptoms to deal with as a result of my depression, and I feel like it is one of the least talked about. I almost lost my job over it and it negatively impacted every relationship in my life. I couldn't form thoughts, so I couldn't maintain conversations or participate in work discussions. My brain felt broken and I honestly was worried that my brain issues were permanent. I describe it to people as if it was like dementia because it feels like there is something inherently wrong with your brain function. For me, it didn't get better until I started esketamine treatments. It made a huge difference for my cognitive function and I am so thankful for how much it has given me my life back. My depression symptoms are still present in other ways (anhedonia, low motivation, and sleep issues are a real struggle), but I can think and converse and participate at work. I am really thankful for how much it has helped me. Therapies that address neuroplasticity for depression are so under utilized, so I try to talk about it any chance I get.

[cht]

I liked this presentation so much that I played it 3 times to understand what she was talking about.

[AlisonCrockett]

Understanding that my issue is ADHD because I’m awake looking at other things, but immediately fall asleep while watching this. Informational anything reading or watching makes me drowsy, when I was completely awake just a minute ago. It’s frustrating because I’m actually interested in the info, but I just fade away…

[RoseRedRoseWhite]

Still more effective and compassionate than my local options. You have no idea how important you sharing your knowledge is Dr. Marks.

[Acron-lj]

"To remember a conversation you just had yesterday?" I don't even remember 2 minutes ago. I just keep essentials of what happened in my mind. Been like that since I experienced some heavy trauma. It's like knowing WW2, but not actually being in it, it's been told to you and you try to keep it in mind. My whole life has been like this. I think that disorder is called SDAM. So maybe if anyone else has it, I don't want you to be alone, I'm here having the same struggle. And I never heard anyone saying how they lost the ability to remember completely, but it is a thing and I live somehow

[tracythorne]

You are always so clear and thorough in your videos. Thank you!

[bridgettc.]

Add an anxiety disorder to this mix and then you’ll have my life and daily struggles 😅😮‍💨 I’d love some deep dive videos on inattentive ADHD-PI and ADHD burnout and how we can help ourselves. I’m at my max and still pushing due to work. Thank you for these videos Dr. Tracey. ❤

[TheUnoriginalOne]

I love how this is coming up (I’m a clinical psychology student ). I have never felt worse/more insecure in my life and I’m currently getting assessed for ADHD. I feel terrible and like I let everyone in my life down now cause this is completely new to me and I feel like my life is being destroyed. I have no one to talk to and I need way more than a 1 hr session. Imagine going from top student to barely making it by… the worst this fr … even watching the video was overwhelming *insert sad laughing*

[EGGrun]

I had absolutely all of these depression related symptoms, but I had no idea that's what it was, it was really scary.

[saechells]

Dr. Marks, you have helped me tremendously, thank you.

[nikkinikki]

I just had a brain, cervical spine, and thoracic spine series of MRI's. I also have depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and CPTSD. I have recently had episodes of slurred speech, muscle weakness, and memory issues. It was thought I may have MS. After the scans, it was determined that I probably do NOT have MS, or it hasn't progressed to my spine. However, I was told that it's CVID. The neurologist feels I may have had a TIA. She says I do not have dementia or Alzheimers. I have a lot of white matter in the brain, though. I am only 52. My husband swears it's all the meds I"m on. He could be onto something. I take several medications that can cause dizziness, memory issues, and cognitive impairment. This video came out at the perfect time for me! Thanks, Dr. Marks!

[ericarichardson]

Add PCS (post concussion syndrome) to the list!
My brain fog and fatigue persisted even when my “depression and adhd” was fully treated to the point I ran out of treatments.
Recently I was diagnosed with PCS and sought treatment with Cogfx. After 2 weeks I found more relief than the last 20 years of drugs and therapies. ❤

[wonderful_dai]

Ive been diagnosed with Pseudodementia. By a neurologist. Im so glad this video came about. Its so annoying. I really thought i was losing it. Not being able to articulate my words or remember simple things. It definitely affected my work performance

[cassandro]

My psychologist refuses to give me a diagnosis because she doesn't want me to "label myself", kind of... But I do feel that knowing exactly what's wrong with me would lead me to better choices and mechanisms to effectively cope with my problems. I have a lot of symptoms similar to ADHD, autism, depression... but I don't really know. This is very frustrating. I don't know what to do. 😢

[mackenziefa]

One of My biggest problems is that I can’t recall words, and often stumble or even stop in my tracks.

As I’ve gotten older, with adhd and bipolar, I’ve also been terrified I actually have dementia.

[avanm]

I have MDD and Mild Cognitive Impairment. I never had a diagnosis for ADHD because I am 58 years old. I did have noticeable symptoms in childhood. I definitely have information processing