Everyone has faced stress in their life at some time. Some stress is stronger than at other times, and it will last longer on some occasions.
Very stressful events in your life will cause your brain to age faster. A single stressful event can age your brain by 1.5 years. Multiple stressful events increase your risk of dementia even more because each event ages your brain by 1.5 years. Although the effects of a single event may not be noticeable, it could lead to the early formation of Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Although more research is necessary, researchers think that stress increases inflammation in the brain. Inflammation makes the brain more susceptible to problems such as dementia.
The Events That Can Lead to Dementia
Many events can lead to enough stress to age your brain. It is not a guarantee that you will develop mild cognitive impairment to start with, but it certainly increases the likelihood of it. Some of these events include getting fired from a job, the death of a loved one, declaring bankruptcy, a cheating partner, going on welfare, legal difficulties, a physical attack, combat, a prison sentence, and more.
Stress Opens the Body and Brain to Multiple Health Problems
The presence of high stress levels can lead to a multitude of diseases and problems. When stressed, hormones (cortisol) are produced that speed up some bodily processes and reduce others. The hormones are generated quickly – almost instantly, and the body and mind prepare for a fight-or-flight response.
Symptoms of Stress
Some stress symptoms that will appear rather quickly include muscle tension, headache, fatigue, an upset stomach, a change in the sex drive, pain in the chest, and sleep problems. It also reduces your immune system, enabling you to become sick easily.
Stress also feeds mental and emotional problems, making problems worse. It can lead to depression, anxiety, and aggression, and make you more susceptible to cognitive issues. It changes your brain structure, reduces volume, and damages and even destroys neurons. It also affects the production of your brain’s hormones needed for normal function – the dopamine and serotonin systems.
More severe health problems can also appear that would require medical attention. They include high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, diabetes, heart attack, stroke, and cancer.
Dealing with Stress Requires Reducing It Often
Because many things in today’s life can cause stress, people must learn to recognize and seek to reduce it quickly. It is especially true when you are going through a stressful life event.
PTSD Can Also Help Cause Dementia
Studies have revealed that veterans who had post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) when they were young were twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s by the time they were 65. The reason for this development is uncertain.
Some Ways to Relieve Stress
Stress does not have to have control over you. Here are some ways you can reduce stress and have a calmer life.
- Recognize the presence of stress and its sources
- Leave a stressful environment and find a more relaxing and quieter one
- Develop techniques to help you relax. They may include exercise, listening to relaxing music, meditation, gardening, taking a bath, etc.
- Talking to a close friend
- Getting more sleep
- Eating healthy food
- Playing games, such as chess or doing crossword puzzles.
Do not let the damaging effects of stress lead to dementia or shorten your longevity. If you have difficulties reducing cortisol levels, a doctor may be able to recommend an adaptogen or cortisol blocker. Remember that most seniors do not have dementia. Only you can decide to take preventive action.
