According to one embodiment, a memory device includes first and second lines, a memory cell connected between the first and second lines, and including a resistance change memory element and a switching element, a current supply circuit supplying write current to the memory cell when data is written to the resistance change memory element, a detection circuit detecting an on state of the switching element after supply operation of the write current is enabled, and a control circuit controlling a time required until supplying the write current from the current supply circuit is stopped, wherein a starting point of the controlling the time is a time point at which the on state of the switching element is detected.