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« Work and Rest | Main | And Aging Too... »
October 2, 2008 |Permalink |Comments (7)
Power-Up: Stress Brain Drain
This week, I’m following up on Sonia Lupien, the Montreal researcher chronicled by Christa in her 9/8/08 post. Christa sent me a fascinating study published in Psychoneuroendocrinology (2005: 30; 225-242).
Using cortisol levels as a biomarker for stress, Dr. Lupien found that some adults run chronically higher levels of cortisol than others. Over several years, this group had more memory loss and 14% shrinkage of the hippocampus, (a major brain memory center), compared with those with low or moderate levels.
This appears to support Christa’s theory that stressful environments (read “institutional care”) may actually accelerate memory loss over time.
But there’s an even bigger story…
Dr. Lupien looked at children and adolescents and found different cortisol patterns in those with a lower socioeconomic status (SES). Children with low SES and higher cortisol levels also appeared to process thoughts more negatively, which could also lead to more depression. Stressful living environments clearly seem to influence how children view the world.
But what about their cognition? It is well recognized that people with fewer years of education have a higher incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. Decreased “brain reserve” is theorized, but I never quite accepted this, because many people with high IQs do not pursue advanced degrees.
However, most people of low SES have fewer options for advanced education. Maybe the real cause of increased dementia in the less-educated group is poverty, and the day-to-day stress this group encounters. With a widening gulf between haves and have-nots in the world, what will happen as this population ages down the road?
Two weeks ago, I gave the U.S. low marks in the fundamentals of health, education and welfare. I thought I was digressing into politics, but maybe I was talking about dementia all along!
--Al Power
Comments ( 7)
As another layer of complexity: Low-level, constant noise has also been found to increase stress levels. Those who live in urban (and often low-income) environments are subjected to a great deal of excess and constant noise.
Seniors World Chronicle recently did a story that the stress related to noise can be linked to higher blood pressure and sleeplessness. (http://www.seniorsworldchronicle.com/2008/09/uk-quiet-please.html) It seems to me that this could also have implications on dementia risk.
~Christy
If stress acts as a risk-factor for dementia, then we must also consider stress induced by low-level constant noise. At least one study I've read (http://www.seniorsworldchronicle.com/2008/09/uk-quiet-please.html) links noise with stress, increased blood pressure and sleeplessness.
The issue of noise is most certainly a major issue for those living in urban (and most often low-income) environments.
Posted by
Christy B.
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October 2, 2008 2:11 PM
The following article discusses the positive affects on memory when individuals with dementia practice yoga... a very well known relaxation technique.
http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2008/09/30/breath_lives_memory/?page=2
Also, many individuals I have encountered with a dementia diagnosis have been highly successful in their fields, often having very high stress jobs for the majority of their careers. A very long term source of stress as well.
Posted by
Alisa MAgS2
October 2, 2008 7:43 PM
Regarding high stress jobs, I have a theory: I think that stress is defined in large part by what is out of your control, and/or how you are "hard-wired" or conditioned to react to daily aggravations.
One might then conclude that people who are in careers that are challenging but also are engaging and enable growth, satisfaction and a measure of control might actually experience a "positive" stress which could have the opposite effect.
Just a theory...
Interesting to see a comment that mentions the potential effects of “Low-level, constant noise” as possibly having implications on dementia risk – e.g. Those who live in urban (and often low-income) environments. It would be therefore interesting to see what the researchers and studies of Tinnitus patients have in regard to dementia risk.
The ideas and information here point to the great need for decreasing stress levels for people living with Alzheimer’s disease. Decreasing stress for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease can greatly improve quality of life and perhaps, given this information, assist with memory function. Stress levels can be reduced through considerations for the individuals’ living environment, social engagement, and continued positive communication. You can read more about these topics at www.SeniorLivingResidences.com
This is a very interesting article i must say. The ideas and information presented shows the great need for lower stress levels for people living with Alzheimer’s disease. This is very important for a person with Alzheimer’s disease. This can improve life for the better.