rickyhart

You're completely right, it really comes down to loss of attention and/or concentration. The altered levels of neurotransmitters in the brain can actually make it difficult to make new memories. It is also true that with this lack of motivation, individuals can have problems initiating interactions, making decisions or plans and organizing life. That may sound extreme, but under the weight of depression all the aforementioned tasks can feel overwhelming.

I would also ask if he is on any anti-depressant or other medications? I am not a doctor or a pharmacist, but I know that certain drugs can impair cognitive/memory function and would suggest asking a doctor about how likely this is for his particular collection of drugs/herbs (if he is in fact taking any.)

Also, I would make sure that he's eating enough fresh and nutrient dense foods! Our brains and bodies need nutrients to function properly and this could help (especially omega 3s).

Exercise always helps too!

Studies have shown that kava-kava (sometimes just called 'kava') has helped treat some depression symptoms by increasing cheerfulness, having a calming effect and even work as a muscle relaxant. Depression and Kava. There has been some contention around the use of kava over the past decade, but this is mostly due to the fact that the direct source of many mass-produced supplements weren't rigorously regulated. Be sure you know where you get your herbs from! Challenge your practitioner(s) by asking to know where from they source their herbs.

Actually, there are a lot of studies these days showing that highly refined carbohydrates/sugars (like those found in candy bars, packaged baked goods and even many frozen and boxed dinners) are extremely bad for the body and brain. Some people find that when they switch to a more whole-foods based diet (meaning eating foods as they're found in nature-fish, beans, rice, vegetables, fruit etc.) they feel a lot better and have fewer 'ups-and-downs.'