Explain why can stress have a negative impact on short-term memory?

Stress and stress hormones

Stress is a natural and adaptive response of the body to a situation perceived as threatening or difficult. When faced with a stressful situation, our body releases stress hormones to help us cope with the situation. The main stress hormones are cortisol, adrenaline, and noradrenaline.

Cortisol is a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress. It plays a crucial role in regulating several bodily functions, including metabolism, the immune system, and the stress response. Excessive release of cortisol in response to stress can have a negative impact on the brain and short-term memory.

Adrenaline and noradrenaline, also known as catecholamines, are hormones produced by the adrenal glands in response to acute stress. They have the effect of increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and respiration, preparing the body to quickly react to a stressful situation. However, prolonged exposure to high levels of adrenaline and noradrenaline can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain and short-term memory.

Impact of stress on the brain and short-term memory

Chronic stress can cause alterations in the brain, especially in the hippocampus, a key region for short-term memory. Studies have shown that prolonged stress can reduce the size of the hippocampus, limit the formation of new connections between neurons, and disrupt the neurotransmission processes involved in memory.

Stress can also lead to excessive release of certain chemicals, such as cortisol, a stress-related hormone. A high level of cortisol can damage neurons in the hippocampus and disrupt the regulation of short-term memory.

Furthermore, stress can affect the brain's ability to focus and efficiently process information, leading to difficulties in encoding new memories. People suffering from chronic stress may have difficulty remembering recently learned information, even if they were perfectly capable of doing so in less stressful situations.

In summary, stress can have a negative impact on short-term memory by disrupting the functioning of the hippocampus and altering the neurotransmission and concentration processes necessary for effective memory.

Memory process and stress

Stress can disrupt memory processes by influencing the brain's ability to encode, store, and retrieve information. When a person is under intense stress, the brain releases stress hormones such as cortisol, which can alter the connections between neurons involved in short-term memory. Excess cortisol can affect brain regions such as the hippocampus, which plays a crucial role in memory consolidation. High levels of cortisol can lead to a decrease in neurogenesis in the hippocampus, which can compromise the formation of new memories and the retrieval of temporarily stored information. Additionally, chronic stress can result in a decrease in synaptic plasticity, which is essential for the short-term memory process. By disrupting these neurobiological mechanisms, stress can have a negative impact on the optimal functioning of short-term memory capacity.