A semiconductor structure includes a memory element disposed on a first metal layer. A first cap layer is disposed on the first metal layer and sidewalls of the memory element. A first dielectric layer is disposed on a top surface of the first cap layer on the first metal layer and a portion of the first cap layer on the sidewalls of the memory element. A second metal layer is disposed on the first dielectric layer and sidewalls of the first cap layer. A second cap layer is disposed on a top surface of the second metal layer. A second dielectric layer is disposed on the second cap layer. A via is in the second dielectric layer and exposes a top surface of the memory element. A third metal layer is disposed on the second dielectric layer and in the via.