What Do Studies Show About the Relationship Between Stress and Memory?

According to an NBC News article, around 10% of Americans 65+ have had a dementia diagnosis. Even more concerning is that scientists have found evidence that puts the lifetime risk of people developing dementia at a much higher rate than previously estimated. Before, it was 14% for men and 23% for women, and now, it's 42% for both.

While not all dementia and memory problems are preventable, there are ways to reduce one's risk, including stress mitigation and prevention.

But what do studies show about the relationship between stress and memory, anyway? Are all of the effects of stress on the brain negative? Most importantly, can seniors do anything for healthier brain function and aging?

Join our team at TerraBella Thornblade, our senior living community in Greer, SC, as we share insights into all those questions in this comprehensive guide.

What Do Studies Show About the Relationship Between Stress and Memory?

Stress is the body's natural response to challenges or threats. It plays a critical role in the "fight or flight" response, but it can also affect the brain and its memory-related cognitive processes, including:

• Memory formation
• Type of memory
• Memory retrieval

Let's examine what cognitive health research says about stress and memory loss or impairment.

Memory Formation

Stress can affect how the brain forms memories. For example, according to SciTechDaily.com, researchers say that stress, particularly from trauma or persistent anxiety, may "rewrite" the brain's memories. It can contribute to what experts refer to as stress-induced aversive memory generalization.

Stress-induced aversive memory generalization can cause unrelated stimuli (conditions or events that trigger a stress response in the body) to trigger frightening memories without any apparent connection to the original traumatic experience. For instance, someone who had an extremely stressful or traumatic event may experience fear when they hear fireworks or a car backfiring.

Another way stress can affect memory formation is by impeding the process itself. People with elevated stress levels may struggle to transform short-term memories into long-term ones. So, it's also no wonder that, according to a study on Taylor & Francis Online, excessive stress can impair working memory and academic performance.

Type of Memory

Stress may also impact the type of memories the brain forms. For example, when a person feels stressed during an event, they may experience difficulty accurately recalling what happened later. Conversely, it may cause people to form vivid memories of the events (such as in the case of a highly traumatic event).

Memory Retrieval

According to an article published on ScienceDirect.com, stress can impair memory retrieval. It's how the brain accesses and recalls information it has previously encoded and stored. It may even affect the brain's ability to suppress or activate the retrieval of specific information voluntarily.

Does Stress Only Cause Negative Effects on the Brain and Memory?

Interestingly, while chronic and elevated levels of stress can harm memory and cognitive health, acute stress can be beneficial in some cases. For example, according to an article by the Yale School of Medicine, a new study has found that stress amplifies the brain's memory-encoding ability. So, the brain could create stronger memories while a person is under acute stress.

Acute stress may also help improve cognitive performance in some situations. An example is during a quiz bee or a similar competition that requires memory skills. The "stress" and excitement of potentially winning can enhance cognitive functions such as attention, focus, and memory.

What Are Senior Strategies for Stress and Memory Decline Prevention?

Since stress can adversely affect memory and cognition, older adults should do everything they can to combat chronic and elevated levels of stress. Fortunately, plenty of fun, healthy, and social ways exist to achieve this goal.

Regular Exercise

Regular exercise can help seniors bust stress by triggering the brain to release endorphins. Endorphins are happy hormones that help:

• Alleviate stress
• Provide a sense of pleasure
• Promote positive feelings of well-being
• Regulate pain

Exercise also helps reduce stress hormone levels, such as cortisol. Plus, the CDC says physical activity benefits older adults by enhancing brain health, such as reducing the risks of depression and dementia. The health agency also cited many other benefits, from less anxiety to better heart health and stronger bones.

At TerraBella Thornblade, we understand the immense value and importance of staying physically active for seniors. As such, our senior living community in Greer, SC, ensures our residents enjoy easy access to numerous recreational, physical, and social activities and events. Here are just some, to name a few:

• Sunday stretches
• Chair yoga
• Walking and Rolling Club
• Coffee and crafts
• Cards and games
• Movie nights
• Trivia
• Bingo

Eat Well

Eating a healthy, balanced diet is another crucial strategy for seniors to reduce stress and enhance their memory skills. By eating well, older adults can nourish themselves with essential nutrients that:

• Support brain function
• Stabilize blood sugar
• Promote overall well-being
• Provide comfort

At TerraBella Thornblade, we're proud to have talented culinary team members who prepare three nutritious yet delectable daily meals. They use only the freshest ingredients for every dish that nourishes our residents' bodies, minds, and souls.

Enjoy the Outdoors

Being outdoors and spending time in nature can be an excellent stress reliever and memory booster, according to the American Heart Association. Fortunately, there are plenty of beautiful outdoor areas and nature parks in Greer, SC, such as:

• Rhonda Stubbs First Responders Honor Park
• Pellham Mill Park
• Perrins Park
• Oak Grove Lake Park
• Falls Park on the Reedy

Many of those beautiful nature spots are close to TerraBella Thornblade, our senior living community in Greer, SC.

Combat Stress and Memory Woes

And there you have it, the comprehensive guide answering the question, "What do studies show about the relationship between stress and memory?" Now you know it can impede how the brain forms and retrieves memories. However, you also learned that healthy habits and strategies, such as regular exercise, outdoor time, and a balanced diet, can help protect seniors from stress and memory woes.

If you or an older loved one is ready to enjoy your golden years with less stress and more fun and socialization, we encourage you to explore TerraBella Thornblade. Schedule your tour today, and we'll happily show you around our warm and welcoming senior living community in Greer, SC.