New research suggests that certain antidepressants may not only help with depression but also improve cognitive functions like memory.
A recent study focused on the effects of the SSRI antidepressant escitalopram and found that it was linked to better verbal memory in patients. Scientists believe this effect is related to changes in a specific serotonin receptor in the brain.
The findings were first presented at the ECNP Conference in Milan and later published in Biological Psychiatry.
Serotonin is often called the “feel-good” chemical because it plays a key role in regulating mood. Higher levels of serotonin in the brain can help relieve depression. The brain has several serotonin receptors, each playing a role in how serotonin functions. This study focused on one specific receptor, the 5-HT4 receptor, which may influence both mood and cognitive abilities.
The researchers studied 90 people diagnosed with depression. Before starting treatment, they scanned their brains to measure how much of the 5-HT4 receptor was present. They also tested the patients’ memory and other cognitive skills.
Patients were then given daily doses of escitalopram for eight weeks. At the end of this period, 40 of them underwent a second brain scan and took more cognitive tests. As expected, their mood had improved.
However, the researchers also found that their 5-HT4 receptor levels had dropped by about 9%. Surprisingly, this change in the brain was linked to better memory function, especially in recalling words.
“This is an important finding,” said researcher Vibeke Dam from Copenhagen University Hospital. “It suggests that SSRI antidepressants may not only help improve mood but also support cognitive function.”
Her colleague, Vibe Froekjaer, added that treating cognitive problems is challenging, and these results hint at a new approach. If stimulating the 5-HT4 receptor can enhance memory, it may lead to better treatments for cognitive issues, even beyond depression.
One limitation of the study was that it did not include a placebo group, meaning there was no untreated comparison group. The researchers now plan to test medications that specifically target the 5-HT4 receptor to see if they can improve cognitive function further.
Interestingly, serotonin is also found in the gut, and some drugs used for irritable bowel syndrome already interact with this receptor. The team is considering repurposing these drugs for future trials.
Experts outside the study welcomed the findings. Professor Philip Cowen from the University of Oxford pointed out that these results confirm the important role of serotonin in both depression and cognitive function.
He noted that similar research from Oxford showed that another 5-HT4 receptor stimulant, prucalopride—a drug originally used to treat constipation—also improved memory in both healthy individuals and people at risk of depression.
While more research is needed, this study highlights an exciting possibility: antidepressants may have benefits beyond mood regulation, potentially helping to improve memory and thinking skills in people with depression.
The research findings can be found in Biological Psychiatry.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
