Stress is one of the worst symptoms of our modern age, which now far surpasses the ‘fight or flight’ instinct we need for survival. Chronic and repeated instances of stress have an extremely negative impact on wellbeing. It is gradually being acknowledged that stress is more than just a mental health issue and can actually be the cause of severe physical problems later in life. Researchers from the University of California’s School of Medicine have made a valuable contribution to the growing body of research concerning the effect of stress on physical wellness.
Instances of stress start with a kind of ‘alarm’ triggered in the hypothalamus. This prompts the adrenal glands to immediately release a large amount of adrenaline and cortisol. Adrenaline boosts your energy by elevating the heart rate and raising blood pressure. Cortisol quickens your reaction times by increasing the level of glucose in the bloodstream, which boosts the brain directly. Though this system can easily restore itself in the case of a single instance of stress, repetitive cycles of anxiety can put great strain on the heart and the brain.
The study in question looks specifically at how the effects of stress can contribute to the later development of Alzheimer’s disease. Robert A. Rissman PhD, leader of the study, found that the repeated experience of stress initiates the production of tau protein aggregates in the brain, also known as neurofibrillary tangles. Tau protein aggregates are known to be one of the physiological signs of Alzheimer’s disease, and are particularly damaging to the memory. Stress promotes the growth of these proteins in the hippocampus, which is the area of the brain responsible for the formation and storage of memories. Dr. Rissman claims that the repeated experience of stress is a pivotal factor in the development of the neurological pathology responsible for Alzheimer’s disease.
As with all stress-related illnesses, this research provides just one more reason to be watchful over our daily wellbeing. It is vital to avoid the kind of lifestyle or mental habits that cause repeated stress. When it becomes a chronic problem, anxiety not only damages your quality of life, but can also plant the roots of later illness.
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