(January 21, 2016) A
scientific review paper warns that people need to find ways to reduce chronic
stress and anxiety in their lives or they may be at increased risk for
developing depression and even dementia.
Led by the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Health
Sciences, the review examined brain areas impacted by chronic anxiety, fear and
stress in animal and human studies that are already published. The authors concluded
that there is “extensive overlap” of the brain’s neurocircuitry in all three
conditions, which may explain the link between chronic stress and the
development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and Alzheimer’s
disease.
Experiencing anxiety, fear and stress is considered a normal
part of life when it is occasional and temporary, such as feeling anxious and
stressed before an exam or a job interview. However, when those acute emotional
reactions become more frequent or chronic, they can significantly interfere with
daily living activities such as work, school and relationships. Chronic stress
is a pathological state that is caused by prolonged activation of the normal
acute physiological stress response, which can wreak havoc on immune, metabolic
and cardiovascular systems, and lead to atrophy of the brain’s hippocampus
(crucial for long-term memory and spatial navigation).