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Feb 20, 2024 · Stress can inhibit the way we form and retrieve memories, ultimately affecting how our memory works. Learn what studies show about the relationship between stress and memory, as well as how to reverse memory loss from stress.
- Elizabeth Scott, Phd
- Forgetfulness. 2017 research suggests stress can show up cognitively through your memory. Stress can affect your brain in a way that makes you more forgetful than usual or even misremember things.
- Rigid thinking. 2018 research claims that stress can also lead to more rigid thinking styles. When you’re under stress, you’re more likely to make decisions out of habit.
- Difficulty with concentration. People who are under a lot of stress often have a hard time with concentration and focus. You might find that you can pay closer attention to the situation that’s causing you stress, but have a hard time concentrating on anything else.
- Constant worrying. Stress also affects your thinking, and can cause worries to constantly run through your mind. You might notice that when you’re facing high levels of stress, it’s difficult to stop worrying about whatever is causing the stress.
Broadly speaking, acute stress is thought to influence memory through the actions of glucocorticoid and adrenergic agents on the neural networks that support memory processes. The positive effects of acute stress on memory have been shown to crucially involve glucocorticoid responses.
- Elizabeth V. Goldfarb
- 2019/07
- 10.1016/j.bandc.2018.11.009
Aug 8, 2009 · Thus, our findings suggest that stress-related memory improvements are related to a combination of increased noise reduction accompanied by, or leading to, a decreased hippocampal response. In addition to these alterations in sensory and mnemonic operations, stress may promote a neural state optimized for memory formation.
- Marloes J. A. G. Henckens, Erno J. Hermans, Zhenwei Pu, Marian Joëls, Guillén Fernández
- 10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1184-09.2009
- 2009
- J Neurosci. 2009 Aug 12; 29(32): 10111-10119.
Feb 18, 2022 · More Than a Side Effect. Whether on a social or occupational basis, stress can overwhelm cognitive load and evoke aversive neural reactions that disrupt our physiological equilibrium—with...
Apr 8, 2022 · Areas of the brain impacted. Tips for improving memory. Recap. Long-term stress leads to elevated stress hormones that may impact areas of your brain responsible for memory and focus. When...
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Oct 8, 2020 · Stressful events are common in everyone’s life, inducing physiological changes, such as increased heart rate and sweating. 1 Stressful events can also impact memory and reasoning.
