Chronic stress and memory: Could reducing stress protect against dementia?

A study by Wake Forest University, published in August in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia, examined 3,873 adults aged 50 and older and found a link between chronic stress and cognitive decline, particularly in attention and language among women. High social support was associated with a more moderate decline in attention but did not eliminate the link between stress and cognitive decline. The study was observational and does not prove causation.

A study by researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine in the United States, published in August in the journal Alzheimer's & Dementia and reported today (Thursday), examined the link between chronic stress and brain function among 3,873 adults aged 50 and older, whose average age at the start of the study was about 65. The researchers examined levels of psychological stress and social support reported by participants at the start of the study, alongside changes in cognitive abilities over the follow-up period, including memory, attention, language, and executive functions. The findings revealed that the link between stress and cognitive decline is not uniform. Among women, higher levels of psychological stress at the start of the study were associated with greater decline in attention and language. Among participants of Hispanic origin, a link was found between high stress and a more significant decline in memory. However, no overall significant association was found across the entire population. High social support was associated with a more moderate decline in attention, with no difference between population groups, but it did not eliminate the link between stress and cognitive decline. The study was observational and therefore does not prove causation. The researchers suggest that there is room to examine interventions to reduce stress and strengthen social support.