How does stress impact cognitive functioning?

Stress can negatively impact cognitive functioning, including memory, attention, and decision-making abilities.

Stress is a natural physiological response to a perceived threat or challenge. However, chronic stress can lead to negative effects on the brain, including impairments in cognitive functioning. One of the most commonly affected areas is memory. Stress can interfere with the formation and retrieval of memories, particularly in the hippocampus region of the brain. This can lead to forgetfulness and difficulty in retaining new information.

Attention is also impacted by stress. Stress can cause a narrowing of attention, making it difficult to focus on multiple tasks or stimuli. This can lead to decreased productivity and increased errors. In addition, stress can also impair decision-making abilities, particularly in situations that require complex reasoning and problem-solving.

Chronic stress can also lead to structural changes in the brain, including a decrease in the volume of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for higher-level cognitive functions such as decision-making, planning, and impulse control. This can lead to difficulties in regulating emotions and behaviours.

Overall, the negative impact of stress on cognitive functioning highlights the importance of stress management techniques such as exercise, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques. These techniques can help to reduce stress levels and improve cognitive performance.