The phrase "I'm stressed" is one of the most widespread recently. But the consequences can be serious enough to affect both physically and mentally.
Physical symptoms caused by stress range from teeth grinding to a weakened immune system, increased heart rate, impact on mental health and more. Researchers even go further when they say that stress not only leads to memory loss, but also to brain shrinkage.
One study evaluated more than 2,000 healthy, middle-aged participants and found that those who showed higher levels of cortisol (a hormone released after stress) in their blood performed worse on memory tests. Further analysis revealed that the brain volume of those with high cortisol levels was also smaller than average, indicating a physical reduction of this organ.
Stress can affect memory, both long-term and short-term, says Dr. Sarita Robinson, Dean of Psychology and Humanities at the University of Central Lancashire.
"As for long-term stress (known as chronic stress), memory can be affected as there is a link between chronic stress and depressive symptoms, which can impair our memory processes," Dr. Robinson continues.
She adds that stress can also increase inflammation, and this causes the brain to malfunction, while simultaneously increasing anxiety and depression as a true vicious cycle.
Source: Woman's Health
