Baseline working memory was associated with improvement in psychological quality of life in patients with persistent depressive symptoms: a prospective observational study - Report - MDSpire

Baseline working memory was associated with improvement in psychological quality of life in patients with persistent depressive symptoms: a prospective observational study

  • By

  • Yuki Oe

  • Mariko Kurihara

  • Tomonari Hayasaka

  • Izumi Nagashima

  • Masami Murao

  • Yasuyuki Matsumoto

  • Yoshikazu Takaesu

  • Takashi Tsuboi

  • Koichiro Watanabe

  • Hitoshi Sakurai

  • May 21, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: Working Memory and Quality of Life in Depressive Symptoms

Overview

Revise to better explain the implications of no overall improvement in quality of life despite working memory's role.

Background

Cognitive dysfunction is a common issue in patients with depressive symptoms, impacting their quality of life and functional outcomes. Understanding the relationship between cognitive domains, particularly working memory, and long-term outcomes in depression is crucial for improving treatment strategies. This study highlights the need for further exploration of cognitive factors in managing persistent depressive symptoms.

Data Highlights

Streamline to focus on the most impactful results without repeating the overview.

Key Findings

  • Participants showed higher verbal ability and lower processing speed compared to normative data.
  • Working memory was significantly associated with improvement in the psychological domain of the WHO-QOL-26 at six months (β = 0.40; p < 0.01).
  • No other cognitive domains demonstrated significant associations with quality of life improvements.
  • Overall functioning did not improve significantly over the study period.
  • The study emphasizes the exploratory nature of findings due to the modest sample size.

Clinical Implications

Clinicians should consider assessing working memory as part of the evaluation for patients with persistent depressive symptoms, as it may provide insights into potential improvements in psychological quality of life. This could inform treatment planning and highlight the importance of cognitive factors in managing depression.

Conclusion

Highlight the importance of further research and potential clinical applications of findings.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 2026 -- Baseline Working Memory Was Associated With Improvement in Psychological Quality of Life in Patients With Persistent Depressive Symptoms: A Prospective Observational Study
  2. Recommendations | Depression in adults: treatment and management | Guidance | NICE
  3. American Journal of Epidemiology — Examining the Relationship Between Depressive Symptoms and Cognitive Decline in Early Older Adults: A Longitudinal Fixed-Effects Analysis
  4. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — The relationship between cognitive impairment and acoustic features in major depressive disorder: a longitudinal cohort study
  5. Frontiers in Neurology — Physical disability, cognition, and depression as determinants of quality of life in multiple sclerosis: a cross-sectional study
  6. BMC Psychiatry (Springer) — Impact of Serum Hypersensitive C-Reactive Protein and Body Mass Index on Cognitive Impairment in Drug-Naive Patients Experiencing Their First Episode of Major Depressive Disorder
  7. Recommendations | Depression in adults: treatment and management | Guidance | NICE
  8. Effects of working memory training on depressive symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials - PMC
  9. Frontiers | Baseline Working Memory Was Associated With Improvement in Psychological Quality of Life in Patients With Persistent Depressive Symptoms: A Prospective Observational Study

Original Source(s)

Baseline working memory was associated with improvement in psychological quality of life in patients with persistent depressive symptoms: a prospective observational study

  • by Yuki Oe, Mariko Kurihara, Tomonari Hayasaka, Izumi Nagashima, Masami Murao, Yasuyuki Matsumoto, Yoshikazu Takaesu, Takashi Tsuboi, Koichiro Watanabe, Hitoshi Sakurai

  • May 21, 2026

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