Stress Memory Loss: What Is It?
Stress-induced memory loss is much more common than we think. This cognitive lack is often experienced with great concern and
anxiety
: we forget appointments, conversations, names and even that important thing we had to buy. We find it difficult to keep information and even retrieve already consolidated memories.
It is often said that memory is a treasure that we must guard with care and delicacy, however, when we no longer need it, it is lacking. It happened to everyone. W hen we suffer from these momentary, sometimes even disconcerting, memory losses, we often experience them with a certain fear: will this be the first sign of dementia?
Let’s not rush to conclusions! Before thinking about cognitive impairment, we need to know that around 80% of small daily memory losses are caused by stress. However, far from breathing a sigh of relief after ruling out early dementia, it is important to take one fact into consideration: chronic stress and anxiety disorders maintained in the
weather
alter the functioning of the brain and many of its structures .
The brain is very vulnerable to our lifestyle and in particular to how we manage our daily worries and tensions.
Stress-induced memory loss: why does it happen?
Sometimes we do, we leave work and go home with the “autopilot” on. When we cross the threshold of the house, we put our hands on our heads in anger
And
the most absolute amazement: how could we have forgotten to pick up our son from the English course? We run down and when we get to the car, we realize we don’t have the keys.
The exhausting circle to which we are subjected to stress
and the anxiety is immense. Surreal situations like this are common, as is the feeling of losing control of one’s life. After all, few things can be more distressing than forgetting important things in everyday life , decisive for us to feel competent and responsible in every area of our everyday life.
To understand what lies behind stress-induced memory loss, we need to bring up an old acquaintance, the
cortisol
. This glucocorticoid secreted by the adrenal gland is released in response to stress. Excessive cortisol levels at any given time are not a problem, in fact they can improve the formation of new memories.
The worrying thing is when the release of glucocorticoids occurs consistently and for weeks or months. At that point we will have difficulty remembering the data and recovering other existing ones.
Let’s see what impact it can have on the brain.
Effects of cortisol on the brain
- It acts as a toxic agent.
- L’
hippocampus
, associated with memory and emotions, it loses volume.
- Stress-induced memory loss is also associated with cortisol hindering proper blood circulation in the brain. It receives fewer nutrients and less oxygen, all of which leads us to run a greater risk of exhaustion, stroke, etc. It is a fact that we must take into consideration.
- If the release of cortisol is constant, we will perceive another effect: we will produce less endorphins and this translates into greater discomfort, a clear inability to enjoy those activities that we previously enjoyed: sports, laughter and good times with our loved ones. , the food…
- It should be noted that cortisol also affects sleep-wake cycles: we suffer from periods of insomnia or nights with continuous awakenings.
What to do to reduce stress-induced memory loss?
If we find that we are suffering from unusual memory loss in the last few weeks or months, it is best to see your doctor. Sometimes these deficiencies can be associated with a poor diet (deficiency of
vitamin B12
or vitamin D). Hypothyroidism can also cause these cognitive changes. To avoid this, therefore, it is advisable to speak to specialized professionals.
Once organic problems have been ruled out, we will approach the problem in the most appropriate way: by managing stress. Let’s see some strategies.
- Identify the stressors. Become aware of how our body reacts: muscle tension, stiff neck, shoulders, jaw, heart palpitations …
- Stress is not managed by avoiding the focal points that take away from us
calm
. It manages itself by dealing with threatening stimuli face to face, establishing priorities, deciding, taking control of one’s reality.
-
Adequate breathing techniques.
-
Re-reading our reality: become aware of what is really important in theourlife, slow down, appreciate the present in a more relaxed way.
-
Eat healthy: fresh fruit and vegetables, lots of water, oats, valerian infusions, chamomile …
-
Magnesium-based supplementsthey are excellent for protecting the brain from the effects of stress.
-
Go for a walk every day for half an hour:we will clear our heads, face new perspectives and improve blood circulation so that a greater supply of oxygen and nutrients reaches the brain.
In conclusion, stress-induced memory loss can completely alter our life. If we do not address the root problem, stress will further accentuate the problem until it reaches more areas: our mood will worsen, our motivation will decrease… We must learn to slow down, not always trying to go faster than life. Nothing is more important than our health.
