Your Cart is Empty
Recent research suggests that the cognitive advantages gained from enriching and fulfilling life experiences can be diminished by both physical and psychological stress. Chronic or intense stress is linked to difficulties in participating in recreational and physical activities, decreased social engagement, and a heightened risk of developing dementia.
Stress could be working against your attempts to strengthen and maintain cognitive reserve. Research has indicated that individuals with higher cognitive reserve index (CRI) scores tend to experience slower cognitive decline, even in cases of Alzheimer’s disease. These scores are determined by engaging in mentally stimulating activities, achieving higher levels of education, pursuing complex careers, staying physically active, and fostering strong social connections.
The research investigated the relationship between CRI scores, cognitive function, and Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers in 113 participants from a memory clinic. The study also examined the impact of perceived stress, alongside physiological markers of psychological stress, specifically saliva cortisol levels.
The researchers found that while greater cognitive reserve enhanced cognitive function, physiological stress appeared to weaken this effect. Higher CRI scores were linked to improved working memory in individuals with normal cortisol levels, but this benefit was absent in those with elevated cortisol levels, indicating high psychological stress.
To preserve healthy cognitive function, people can use stress management techniques like relaxation exercises, meditation, physical exercise, or therapy to lower the risk of cognitive decline. Engaging in intellectually challenging activities helps strengthen neural connections and boosts abilities in memory, problem-solving, and communication. It is essential to recognize the effect of stress on cognitive function.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Cognitive reserve, cortisol, and Alzheimer's disease biomarkers: A memory clinic study
Brain aging encompasses the gradual biological and functional shifts in the brain as we age, changes that may or may not affect cognitive performance. A recent study explored whether creativity offers more than just enjoyment or emotional benefits, investigating if it provides tangible biological advantages for brain health.
Could your meal timing weaken your bones? A recent study suggests that habits like skipping breakfast or eating late-night dinners may heighten the risk of developing osteoporosis. This pioneering research is the first to highlight a clear link between such eating patterns and an increased chance of bone fractures due to osteoporosis.
While melanoma and squamous cell carcinoma are generally slow-growing and rare, a new study finds that people with tattoos face a greater risk of developing melanoma. While tattoos raised melanoma risk, they did not increase the odds of squamous cell carcinoma, another sun-driven skin cancer that, unlike the much more lethal melanoma, arises from different skin cells.