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Chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive function from "summary" of Brain Food by Lorraine Perretta,Oona van den Berg
Chronic stress is like a slow poison for your brain. When stress becomes a constant companion in your life, it can wreak havoc on your cognitive abilities. Your brain, which is normally a powerhouse of efficiency, can start to falter under the weight of chronic stress. One of the key ways in which chronic stress impacts cognitive function is through the release of stress hormones such as cortisol. These hormones flood your brain and can disrupt the delicate balance of neurotransmitters that are responsible for communication between brain cells. As a result, your ability to think clearly, concentrate, and remember things can be significantly impaired. Moreover, chronic stress can also lead to inflammation in the brain. This inflammation can damage brain cells and interfere with the formation of new neurons, which are essential for learning and memory. In essence, chronic stress not only hampers your current cognitive function but also jeopardizes your brain's ability to adapt and grow in the future. Another way in which chronic stress can negatively impact cognitive function is by affecting the hippocampus, a crucial region of the brain involved in memory formation and retrieval. Prolonged exposure to stress can shrink the hippocampus, making it harder for you to form new memories and recall information. Furthermore, chronic stress can impair your ability to make decisions and solve problems effectively. When your brain is constantly in a state of high alert due to stress, it can become overwhelmed and struggle to process information efficiently. This can lead to poor judgment, impulsivity, and difficulty in finding solutions to everyday problems.- Chronic stress is a formidable adversary to your cognitive function. It undermines the very foundation of your brain's abilities, making it harder for you to think, remember, and learn. By understanding the detrimental effects of chronic stress on your brain, you can take proactive steps to manage stress and safeguard your cognitive health.
