Title: Study Reveals Surprising Link Between Stress And Memory Loss | HuffPost
Headings: Study Reveals Surprising Link Between Stress And Memory Loss
Study Reveals Surprising Link Between Stress And Memory Loss
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Content: And although preliminary, the findings raise the possibility that a person’s short-memory decline may be slowed or prevented by decreasing levels of cortisol, Radley added. That could mean treating people who have naturally high levels of cortisol — such as those who are depressed or experiencing stress due to a traumatic event. According to Radley and Rachel Anderson, the paper’s lead author, short-term memory lapses related to cortisol start around age 65. That’s about the equivalent of 21-month-old rats, which the pair studied to make their discovery. Still, researchers say it’s important to remember that stress hormones represent only one factor when it comes to mental decline and memory loss as we age. For example, a study out of the University of California found that sleep deprivation is connected with brain degeneration and memory loss in older adults. When it comes to middle-aged men, another study found that those who drink more than two and a half drinks per day are likely to show signs of memory loss and cognitive decline up to six years sooner than men who are light drinkers or who don’t drink. Calling all HuffPost superfans! Sign up for membership to become a founding member and help shape HuffPost’s next chapter
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