Does depression cause memory loss?

Depression by itself does not actually cause memory loss. Concentration, attention and the ability to retreive stored memories is affected when a person is depressed. In extreme cases, it may result in a condition called pseudodementia, which may mimic dementia, However, with appropriate treatment, people can and do recover well from depression. Their cognitive function will then return to normal. Early and effective treatment of depression is important, because if left untreated, pseudodementia is a risk factor for future development of true dementia.