Prolonged exposure to stress can heighten the chances of experiencing anxiety and depression, which in turn raises the risk of memory loss, neurologists warn. The experts noted that during periods of stress, the body releases a hormone called cortisol, which helps the brain to use glucose more effectively and boosts energy levels temporarily. Persistently high levels of cortisol due to chronic stress, however, can disrupt brain function, resulting in memory loss, they said. Mayo Clinic, an education, healthcare, and research blog, noted that prolonged release of the stress hormone disrupts nearly all bodily processes, increasing the risks of muscle tension and pain, heart attack, high blood pressure, and memory loss, among other health issues. Meanwhile, another online health blog, Cleveland Clinic, defined memory loss as difficulties in forming, storing, and recalling past events or information. Furthermore, the Alzheimer’s Association stated that persistent memory loss interfering with daily life may be a sign of Alzheimer’s or dementia. Also, the World Health Organization defined dementia as a syndrome resulting from various diseases that impair memory, cognition, and daily functioning, leading to a decline in cognitive abilities.
WHO noted that over 55 million dementia cases are recorded worldwide, with 60 per cent in low and middle-income countries. It further revealed that dementia ranks as the seventh leading cause of death globally, with approximately 10 million new cases recorded annually. Additionally, women face higher risks of health complications and mortality due to dementia and often spend considerable time caring for individuals affected by it. A Professor of Neurosurgery at the College of Health Sciences, University of Ilorin, Kwara State, Olugbenga Odebode, noted that high levels of cortisol in the bloodstream can impair brain function and lead to memory loss, a common symptom observed in dementia patients. He explained, “During long-term stress, a hormone called cortisol is released. High-level cortisol circulating in the blood increases malfunctioning of the brain and is associated with loss of memory.”
The Neurosurgeon further noted that the disorder or loss of memory was a prominent symptom and sign in patients with dementia. Also, a professor of Neurology and Internal Medicine at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, Ikenna Onwuekwe, stated that individuals exposed to chronic and continuous stress, whether through occupational or environmental factors, may face an increased risk of developing dementia.
He said, “Individuals subjected to prolonged stress, whether due to occupational demands or environmental factors, may face an elevated risk of developing dementia. There is emerging evidence suggesting that chronic stress may exacerbate the onset of dementia.” Onwuekwe further highlighted the physiological repercussions of stress, including elevated blood pressure, which can exacerbate conditions such as dementia. He, however, noted that the risk factors for dementia are multifaceted and include one’s environment, familial history and genetic conditions. The don further noted that although dementia is common among whites, there is an increase in cases among blacks and Africans. Onwuekwe, however, noted that the increasing incidence rate in Nigerians was yet to be established, and called for further research to enable the characterisation and types of dementia to enable further treatment. “The role of genes is becoming stronger in disease conditions including dementia. A good example is Alzheimer’s disease, which is a very common cause of dementia in whites. Generally, dementia was said to be more common in whites than in blacks but we are now seeing increasing cases in blacks, including Africans. But it is not as high as we have in the Caucasians. “One of the genes proven to play a role in Alzheimer’s is apolipoprotein E. The abnormalities in this gene are associated with Alzheimer’s disease. So if one is born with that inherited abnormality, one is strongly likely to develop Alzheimer’s, which can be passed to one’s children. In developed countries, people can be screened early in life and be told that they tend to have Alzheimer’s,” Onwuekwe said.
The don further advised proactive healthcare interventions for individuals with a family history of memory loss and advocated for regular medical check-ups to facilitate early detection and intervention. The neurologist also stated that dementia which is unrelated to genetic factors, such as vascular dementia, could be prevented. “Vascular dementia is caused by repeated strokes in the brain and over time leads to dementia. It is seen in people who are hypertensive, diabetic or have other cardiovascular conditions that could lead to the blockage of the arteries. “For such types of dementia, it is easier to talk about prevention because it can be monitored as part of an annual health check. Those who are hypertensive should ensure they treat themselves and ensure that their blood pressure is well controlled the same thing with high blood sugar and cholesterol. “These three things are usually the centre of arterial blockages in individuals, so if the high blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol can be controlled, you have significantly reduced your chances of coming down with vascular dementia, which is a major cause of dementia in some population,” Onwuekwe said.
To prevent the onset of non-genetic risk factors of dementia, the don advocated adopting healthy habits and staying physically and mentally active.
While cautioning against tobacco and alcohol use, and weight gain, the don promoted the consumption of fruits and vegetables, engaging in daily 30-minute exercise sessions and listening to music. Onwuekwe further advised, “Keep your mind occupied mentally by doing tasks, such as reading books, playing mind-stimulating games such as chess, Sudoku and crossword puzzles and avoid being sedentary. “Playing these games works by increasing what we call the cerebral cortical reserve, which is the number of neurons that are critically lost in dementia, so playing games helps to maintain their stability and connection. Eat more nuts, it has been shown to increase memory and it may be useful in people who have an increased risk of developing dementia. “Also, avoid areas of atmospheric air pollution and smoke and avoid being stressed either as a result of work or personal lifestyle. If you have any family history of memory impairment, get yourself checked routinely so you can have the medical attention needed at the earliest observation of any changes.”
