Memory Loss Due To Stress, What Is It?

Memory loss from stress is much more common than we think. Now, this cognitive failure is often experienced with great concern and anxiety: we forget appointments, conversations, names and even that important thing that we had to buy. It is difficult for us to retain information and even to recover already consolidated memories.

It is often said that memory is a treasure that we must guard with special care and delicacy, however, something that without a doubt we will all have experienced at some time is that just when we need it most, it fails us.  What’s more, when we suffer these momentary and even disconcerting failures, we often experience them with a certain fear: is this the first sign of insanity?

It is not advisable to rush. Before thinking about cognitive impairment, let’s take into account one factor, the one that actually explains about 80% of small everyday memory failures: stress. However, far from breathing a sigh of relief having ruled out an early dementia, it is important to consider a fact:  chronic stress, as well as anxiety disorders maintained over time. Both alter the functioning of the brain and even several of its structures.

The brain is very vulnerable to our lifestyle, and specifically, to the way we manage our daily worries and stresses.

Memory loss due to stress, why does it occur?

Sometimes we do, we leave work and come home on “automatic pilot.” As we cross the threshold of our home, we put our hands to our heads in anger and utter amazement , how could we have forgotten to pick up our son from his English class? We ran downstairs and just when we got to the car, we realized that we didn’t have the keys.

• The exhausting cycle into which both stress and anxiety lead us is immense. Surreal situations like this are common, as is the feeling that we are losing control of our lives. At the end of the day, few things can be more distressing than forgetting things that are relevant on a day-to-day basis, decisive for feeling competent and responsible in every area of ​​our daily lives.

Cortisol

If we now ask ourselves what is behind stress memory loss, we must name an old acquaintance, the hormone cortisol.

• This glucocorticoid produced by the adrenal gland is released in response to stress. Now, if the cortisol peak increases at a given moment beyond its usual levels, it does not pose any problem, it is more a small increase in this hormone at a specific moment, it improves the formation of new memories.

• What is worrisome is that glucocorticoid release occurs consistently and over weeks or months. It will be then when we have difficulties to remember data and to recover existing ones.

Let’s see what impact this can have on our brain.

Effects of cortisol on our brain

• The excess of cortisol in the brain acts as a toxic. Thus, studies such as the one carried out at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio, show us that adults between 40 and 50 years of age with higher cortisol levels had a smaller brain volume.

• The hippocampus, associated with memory and our emotions, also loses volume.
• Memory loss due to stress is also associated with the fact that cortisol hinders the proper circulation of blood to the brain. Less nutrients and less oxygen reach us. All this also causes us to have a greater risk of suffering strokes, strokes, etc. It is a fact that we must consider.
• On the other hand, if the release of cortisol is constant, we will perceive another effect: we will secrete less endorphins.
• This translates into greater discomfort, in a clear inability to enjoy those activities that were previously pleasant to us-
• Likewise, and not least, it should be noted that cortisol also affects our sleep-wake cycles. We suffer times of insomnia or nights of continuous awakenings.

What can we do to reduce memory loss associated with stress?

If we perceive that in recent weeks or months we are experiencing unusual memory loss, it is best to consult with our doctors. Sometimes these failures can be associated with poor nutrition (vitamin B12 or vitamin D deficiency).

Likewise, disorders such as hypothyroidism can also determine these cognitive alterations. Therefore, and to avoid worries, it is advisable to speak with specialized professionals.

Once organic problems have been ruled out, we will approach the problem in the best way: managing stress. Let’s see some keys.

Strategies to manage stress

• Identify your stressors.  Become aware of how your body reacts: muscle tension, stiff neck, shoulders, jaw, palpitations …
• Stress is not managed by avoiding those bulbs that take away our calm. It is managed by facing these threatening stimuli face to face, establishing priorities, deciding, taking control of one’s own reality.
• We will use proper breathing techniques.
• Reinterpret your reality: become aware of what is truly important in your life, slow down, appreciate the present in a more relaxed way.
• Practices such as Minfulness are very suitable for managing stress. Thus, studies such as the one carried out by Dr. Philippe R. Goldin, from the University of California, show us its effectiveness.
• Eat healthy: fresh fruits and vegetables, plenty of water, oatmeal, valerian infusions, chamomiles …

• Magnesium-based supplements are excellent for protecting our brain from the effects of stress.
• Go for a walk every day for half an hour. You will clear your mind, take new perspectives and improve your blood circulation so that a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients reaches the brain.

To conclude, memory loss from stress can be life-altering. If we do not deal with the root problem, this stress will intensify the problem even more until it reaches more spheres: our mood will worsen, our motivation will decline … Therefore, we must learn to slow down, not want to go faster than the life. Our health is the most important.