Stress has become the curse of our modern, fast-paced society. It triggers a number of changes in your body that can have a strong impact on your physical and mental health.
These changes include increased blood pressure, increased blood clotting and the release of cholesterol and stress hormones.
The lowdown on stress and memory
Research has found that these hormones have a negative impact on your memory after several days of exposure.
Subjects who were given a high dose of cortisol over four days experienced notable memory impairment. By contrast, subjects who received a higher dose over a single day, or a lower dose over four days, showed a less marked impairment of memory.
The researchers had thought it would take several days of stress such as major surgery, or severe psychological trauma, for cortisol to produce memory impairment. They also thought there may be some negative impact on memory from longer-term exposure to lower levels of cortisol, such as cramming for exams.
Cortisol is thought to interfere with the energy supply to certain brain cells involved in memory. However, the memory impairment was found to be quickly reversible, as normal functioning returned after a week.
An additional study in older adults over a three to six-year period found that those who had continuous high levels of cortisol performed poorly on memory tests.
They were also found to have a smaller hippocampus, the part of the brain responsible for learning and memory. The researchers believed their study showed the negative effects of long-term stress, but also thought early interventions could be used to modify cortisol levels and enhance brain function.
What can you do to improve memory?
Fortunately, memory loss caused by stress can often be prevented or treated.
Relaxation sets in motion physical and mental changes that are the complete opposite of the stress response. Actively spending time doing things that help you unwind can also reduce cortisol levels and minimise the harmful effects of stress on memory.
Some activities that may help you to relax include gardening, light exercise such as walking or swimming, Tai Chi, massage, reading, listening to music or meditation.
Natural remedies can improve your memory
Ginkgo increases blood supply and circulation to all parts of the body, including the heart, eyes, and brain. It increases the fluidity of blood and improves the utilization of oxygen and glucose by the body. Brain cells require large amounts of energy to function properly. Glucose and oxygen need to be constantly supplied to the brain cells to create energy, as the brain has very small energy reserves. Many studies have shown positive effects of ginkgo on working memory, improving the speed of information processing and learning.
References available on request