Role of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors for treating memory impairment

Letter to Editor

Author

M.B.B.S; M.D. Pharmacology, Hyderabad, India.

10.22038/JFMH.2025.83084.3174

Abstract

 Memory forms an essential component of cognitive function; therefore, memory impairment can significantly affect a person's quality of life. Serotonin has been implicated as one of the primary neurotransmitters involved in memory. Hence, medication classes such as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) that alter the serotonin levels in the brain have been found to affect memory improvement.
 The main areas of the brain involved with memory are the hippocampus, the cerebellum, and the prefrontal cortex. Serotonergic pathways regulate memory in all three areas.
 Since the serotonergic system affects memory and learning, SSRIs have been found to improve memory consolidation. SSRIs influence memory in different brain areas through various mechanisms, including neurotrophic actions and 5-HT1A receptors.
 There is a huge scope for the discovery and development of novel medications and for repurposing already available classes of drugs to treat memory impairment according to their mechanisms of action, and SSRIs are promising candidates for this. SSRIs have advantages as a medication class, which paves the way for new research lines aimed at exploring their effects on memory in different brain areas.

Keywords

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Fundamentals of Mental Health
Volume 27, Issue 3
May and June 2025
Pages 207-212

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