Alzheimer’s disease and stress are often linked together and discussed in the news, generating varying degrees of interest and worry. And current research indicates that stress may contribute to the development of Alzheimer’s disease, even if it’s not a direct cause. After all, chronic stress affects our brains in many ways. So, what should you know?

Below, we explore how stress impacts our brain health and consider what we can do to protect ourselves.

What is Stress?

Stress is our body’s natural reaction to challenges or pressures. Our bodies react to these situations by triggering a “fight or flight” response to prepare us to either confront or run away from the perceived threat. And this reaction was very beneficial for our ancestors who faced many threats on an almost daily basis.

In today’s modern world, we still experience stress. But often times, it’s not life-threatening. However, our bodies and minds can’t tell the difference. Thus, the response is the same. Yet, it’s worth noting that chronic and acute stress are very different. Acute stress is common; we all feel stressed from time to time. But chronic stress is where health issues and problems can arise.

How Can Stress Hormones and Inflammation Affect Our Brain Health?

When under stress, our bodies release cortisol and other chemicals, which can be detrimental to the health of our brains. Increased cortisol levels can cause inflammation in the brain, which can affect memory recall and cognitive abilities. Long-term stress can also cause anatomical alterations in the brain, such as shrinkage of the hippocampus, a part of the brain essential for memory and emotional control.

So, what does this mean when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease?

Stress and Alzheimer’s Disease

While stress isn’t considered a direct cause of Alzheimer’s, it may increase the likelihood of developing the condition or even accelerate its progression.

For instance, research has shown that high cortisol levels may contribute to cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, particularly in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Meanwhile, a recently published study found that individuals previously diagnosed with chronic stress had a higher risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. These findings reinforce the importance of managing stress, particularly when it comes to our brain health and preventing or potentially slowing down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases.

Preventative Measures to Reduce Stress and Decrease Alzheimer’s Risk

So, what measures can we take to mitigate the negative effects of stress on our brain health and potentially reduce our risk of Alzheimer’s disease? Here are some tips:

●  Practice stress-reduction methods, such as meditation, deep breathing, or other mindfulness practices.

●  Eat a well-balanced diet full of lots of nutritious foods.

●  Get plenty of physical exercise, such as walking or yoga. Movement is great for all

aspects of our health, so move whenever you can throughout the day. Every little bit

counts!

●  Consider the benefits of therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which

can provide us with effective tools for managing daily stress.

At Pathways Neuropsychology Associates, our compassionate and caring team is here to help support you. Our comprehensive Dementia and Alzheimer’s screenings can help you or a loved one take the right steps to manage future progression and cognitive decline. Contact us today to learn more.