Depression can affect the brain in many ways. Common ways that depression affects the brain include:
Brain Inflammation: Studies have shown that brain inflammation is usually present in those who struggle with major depressive disorder. Brain inflammation can hurt or kill brain cells, cause thinking problems, and can speed up brain aging.
Brain Size: Studies have shown that the brain may actually shrink in some cases, and it may lose gray matter volume. Gray matter volume is important for controlling movement, memory, and emotions.
Hippocampus: The hippocampus in the brain may lose gray matter volume with ongoing depression. Gray matter loss in the hippocampus can lead to increased stress and problems with learning and memory.
Prefrontal Cortex: Depression can also impact the prefrontal cortex, which can lead to negative impacts on higher-level thinking and planning abilities.