Stress may be linked to dementia, study shows
Stress has been linked to a variety of health issues, from diabetes and heart disease to anxiety and depression. And now research suggests we can add another to the list: dementia.
Elevated levels of the “stress hormone,” called cortisol, are connected to cognitive problems like memory loss starting in your mid- to late 30s, Framingham Heart Study research shows.
Elevated cortisol was also associated with physical brain changes often seen as precursors to Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The link was especially strong for women. Recognizing the relationship between cortisol, stress and overall wellness may help you understand the impact stress has on your brain.
Produced by the adrenal glands, cortisol is a hormone that’s released when the body needs help dealing with stress. The body builds up cortisol when it rests and releases more when it encounters anxiety-inducing situations.
Too much cortisol can set the stage for multiple health issues, including heart and digestive problems, in addition to lowering the body’s ability to fight off illnesses.
Too little of it can lead to dizziness, weight loss, low blood pressure and hyperpigmentation (darker patches of skin) over time.
“These findings indicate that high stress levels during middle age could be one of the factors that increases a person’s risk of developing dementia,” says Dr. Carol Ramirez Rojas, a board-certified endocrinologist with Orlando Health Medical Group Endocrinology. “Taking steps to reduce stress when you’re young may help protect your brain in midlife and beyond.”
Most people do not know their cortisol levels because it’s not a routinely given test, even for an annual physical exam. But there are ways to minimize stress, including:
• Get more exercise
• Drink less caffeine
• Spend more time with your favorite people
• Practice mindfulness, either through a consistent meditation routine or a regular yoga practice
• Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal
If you have concerns about your cortisol levels, consult an endocrinologist.