How stress affects the brain

Chronic stress not only adversely affects the size and structure of the brain, but also adversely affects the heredity.

short stress useful. It mobilizes the brain, helps to quickly focus on a task, show the best result in the competition to win the audience at a public speech. But when stress becomes chronic, it is not necessary to talk about the positive effect.

Stress reduces the brain

Stress begins in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal system. In the tense situation, the adrenal cortex secretes cortisol - a catabolic hormone that supports human activity, so that he could cope with the difficulties. But his prolonged exposure is bad for the brain.

The main blow assumes hippocampusStress effects on the hippocampus: a critical reviewWhere there is a lot of cortisol receptors. Under normal circumstances, they help normalize hormone production. While maintaining high levels of cortisol over time portion receptors dies. This can lead to frustration memory, Cause learning problems. At the same time, the amygdala becomes more sensitive, and it makes people nervous and restless.

Another consequence - reducing the ability of the hormone system to control the level of stress. But that's not all.

Because of the increased cortisol brain shrinks.

Impact of hormone disrupts synaptic connections among neurons, and changes the size of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for the concentration, decision making, social interaction.

Therefore, chronic stress not only impairs memory and concentration, it can lead to depression and dementia.

Stress affects the genetics

Experiments have shown that chronic stress can affect the expression of certain genes. Such a conclusion researchers made at the end of the experimentReversal of Maternal Programming of Stress Responses in Adult Offspring through Methyl Supplementation: Altering Epigenetic Marking Later in Life in rats.

The way a mother cares for the offspring to determine how children will react later to stress. In a caring and considerate of her that grows resistant to stressful situations a child. There 's just more cortisol receptors, which regulate the response to the negative impact. Children of mothers who neglected concern more susceptible to stress due to the smaller number of receptors.

Such changes are called epigenetic since they do not affect the DNA sequence itself. But they are inherited, and the response to stress, produce offspring of the same mother, spread for several generations.

Stress must be fought

To prevent irreversible changes in the brain, it is necessary deal with stress and reduce cortisol levels. The most simple ways - it is deep breathing and meditation. Help and physical activity, but it is important to know when to stop: the excessive passion for sports can increase cortisol levels.