Q. What is the relationship between stress and the brain, especially memory functions?

A. Studies have shown that stressors can impact every cell in your brain and body. Stressors can be very individualistic, however. Something that is a stressor for you may not have the same impact on someone else.

Stress can interfere with functions of the frontal lobes. This may show up in a variety of ways. You may experience a decrease in artistic or creative competencies (e.g., writer’s block, difficulty brainstorming options, diminished problem-solving skills). Or you may experience interference with your ability to make logical or rational decisions, exhibit a tendency toward increased injuries due to cognitive impairment, or notice that your thinking ability seems less clear.

Cortisol, released under stress, has been shown to interfere with the function of memory. Dr. Robert Sapolsky of Stanford University (author of Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers) has outlined several consequences of increased cortisol production, all of which can impact the function of memory:

  • Decreased utilization of blood sugar by the Hippocampus can create an energy shortage that interferes with an ability to lay down a memory, store data in long-term memory, or access/recall memory at a later date.
  • Diminished neurotransmitter function (e.g., “phone lines are down”) can reduce effective neuron communication. This can result in the mind becoming muddled, with negative effects on attention and concentration.
  • Increased production of free radicals associated with stress can actually kill brain cells from within (to say nothing of contributing to other problems such as wrinkling!).