Chronic stress negatively impacts cognition from "summary" of Healthy Brain, Happy Life by Wendy Suzuki,Billie Fitzpatrick
When we experience chronic stress, it can have a significant impact on our cognitive functions. This is because stress causes the release of cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with the way our brain processes information. Cortisol is helpful in short bursts - it can help us react quickly to danger - but when it is constantly being released due to chronic stress, it can impair our ability to focus, concentrate, and remember things. One way that chronic stress negatively impacts cognition is by shrinking the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is crucial for learning and memory. Studies have shown that prolonged exposure to high levels of cortisol can actually cause the hippocampus to decrease in size, which can lead to difficulties in forming new memories and recalling information. In addition to physically affecting the brain, chronic stress can also affect our cognitive functions by disrupting our sleep patterns. When we are stressed, it can be difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep, which can result in cognitive impairment the next day. Lack of sleep can make it harder to concentrate, problem-solve, and make decisions, all of which are important aspects of cognition. Furthermore, chronic stress can lead to negative thinking patterns, such as rumination and worry, which can further exacerbate cognitive difficulties. When we are constantly worrying about the future or ruminating on past events, it can be hard to focus on the present moment and engage fully in tasks that require cognitive effort.- It is clear that chronic stress can have a detrimental impact on our cognitive functions. By better managing our stress levels through techniques such as exercise, mindfulness, and social connection, we can help protect our brain and preserve our cognitive abilities for the long term.
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