May 2022 PMID 35486412

The effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on memory functioning in older adults: A systematic literature review.

Julie Em Schulkens, Kay Deckers, Maud Jenniskens, Arjan Blokland, Frans Rj Verhey, Sjacko Sobczak

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Mentions

9
Peak: 4 in Jun 2022
across 3 sources since Apr 2022

Extended reach

7,496
potential audience

Total likes

5

Video views

572

Mentions per month

Apr 2022 – Nov 2025

Where it's discussed

  • X / Twitter6 posts
  • YouTube2 videos
  • News1 articles

AI synopsis

What people are saying

The discussions largely center on the consistent finding that SSRIs do not impair memory in older adults, with comments like ‘most studies reported no association’ and notes about prescribing practices. The tone is informative and emphasizes the importance of these findings for clinical safety, supported by specific references to conditions such as depression and stroke, which reflect thoughtful engagement with the article's implications.

AgreementModerate agreement

Most posts acknowledge the review's findings that SSRIs do not negatively affect memory in older adults, showing general support for the conclusions.

InterestModerate interest

Comments reflect moderate interest, focusing on the widespread prescription of SSRIs and the need to understand their effects on older populations.

EngagementModerate engagement

Discussions include references to the consistency of study results, specific conditions like depression or stroke, and the implications of SSRIs' effects, indicating a moderate level of engagement.

ImpactModerate impact

Posts highlight the significance of the review for clinical practices and the understanding of SSRI safety in older adults, suggesting a meaningful impact on medical discussions.

Abstract in brief

  • This review examines whether SSRIs, common antidepressants prescribed to adults aged 65 and older, impact memory functioning, as serotonin plays a role in cognitive processes like memory.
  • After analyzing 40 studies from multiple databases, the findings generally indicate no significant negative effects of SSRIs on memory in older adults, with some studies even reporting memory improvements, especially in those with certain health conditions.
  • Overall, current evidence suggests that SSRIs do not consistently harm memory in older adults, but most studies show their use has little to no effect, highlighting the need for further research in this area.

Top posts

Most liked on X and Bluesky
Psychopharmacology in Maastricht
@PIMaastricht · X

SSRIs are still widely prescribed to treat various psychiatric indications even in older adults. The side effects of SSRIs have been characterized in younger adults, but this is not the case for older adults. https://t.co/TO1LowEzlI.

Jun 5, 2022 · 4 likes · 3 shares · 2,817 followers View post →
(((James Stillwell)))
@vivs1man · X

RT @PIMaastricht: SSRIs are still widely prescribed to treat various psychiatric indications even in older adults. The side effects of SSRI…

Jun 6, 2022 · 3 shares · 2,741 followers View post →
P
@psychopharmacol · X

SR: Most studies reported no association between SSRI use and memory functioning. The studies that found a positive association mainly investigated older adults with mental or neurological disorders (e.g. depression or stroke) https://t.co/ObNIS2p8sd

May 3, 2022 · 569 followers View post →
Paperbirds_Neurology
@PaperbirdsN · X

New article: The effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on memory functioning in older adults: A systematic literature review https://t.co/YdTBHyzVqR #alzheimers #neurology https://t.co/yj752DIiG6

Apr 29, 2022 · 452 followers View post →
Thomas Mathai
@victorlenous · X

RT @PIMaastricht: SSRIs are still widely prescribed to treat various psychiatric indications even in older adults. The side effects of SSRI…

Jun 6, 2022 · 3 shares · 238 followers View post →
Mauro Cavarra
@MauroCavarra · X

RT @PIMaastricht: SSRIs are still widely prescribed to treat various psychiatric indications even in older adults. The side effects of SSRI…

Jun 6, 2022 · 3 shares · 74 followers View post →

All mentions

(((James Stillwell)))
@vivs1man · X

RT @PIMaastricht: SSRIs are still widely prescribed to treat various psychiatric indications even in older adults. The side effects of SSRI…

Jun 6, 2022 · 3 shares · 2,741 followers View post →
Thomas Mathai
@victorlenous · X

RT @PIMaastricht: SSRIs are still widely prescribed to treat various psychiatric indications even in older adults. The side effects of SSRI…

Jun 6, 2022 · 3 shares · 238 followers View post →
Mauro Cavarra
@MauroCavarra · X

RT @PIMaastricht: SSRIs are still widely prescribed to treat various psychiatric indications even in older adults. The side effects of SSRI…

Jun 6, 2022 · 3 shares · 74 followers View post →
Psychopharmacology in Maastricht
@PIMaastricht · X

SSRIs are still widely prescribed to treat various psychiatric indications even in older adults. The side effects of SSRIs have been characterized in younger adults, but this is not the case for older adults. https://t.co/TO1LowEzlI.

Jun 5, 2022 · 4 likes · 3 shares · 2,817 followers View post →
P
@psychopharmacol · X

SR: Most studies reported no association between SSRI use and memory functioning. The studies that found a positive association mainly investigated older adults with mental or neurological disorders (e.g. depression or stroke) https://t.co/ObNIS2p8sd

May 3, 2022 · 569 followers View post →
Paperbirds_Neurology
@PaperbirdsN · X

New article: The effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on memory functioning in older adults: A systematic literature review https://t.co/YdTBHyzVqR #alzheimers #neurology https://t.co/yj752DIiG6

Apr 29, 2022 · 452 followers View post →
7 Common Medications That Can Cause Memory Loss
News

doi: 10.1177/02698811221080462. Farzam K, Sabir S, O'Rourke M. Antihistamines. In: StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing; 2023. Su CH, Huang KH ...

Nov 10, 2025 View →