Chronic stress could lead to depression and Alzheimer’s

Too much stress in your life can lead to brain changes linked to depression and Alzheimer’s, scientists have warned.

Evidence from a major review of published research suggests that chronic stress and anxiety damage key brain regions involved in emotional responses, thinking and memory.

Lead author Dr Linda Mah, from the Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care in Toronto, Canada, said: “Pathological anxiety and chronic stress are associated with structural degeneration and impaired functioning of the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex (PFC), which may account for the increased risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and dementia.”

The review paper, published in the journal Current Opinion in Psychiatry, pooled together findings from a number of recent studies of stress and fear conditioning in animals, and people undergoing brain scans.

Temporary episodes of anxiety, fear and stress — experienced before an exam or job interview, for instance —are part of normal life. But the scientists point out that when such acute emotional reactions become chronic they can “wreak havoc” on immune, metabolic and cardiovascular systems, and damage the brain.

On a more hopeful note, Dr Mah believes that stress-induced damage to the brain may not be completely irreversible.

Treatment with anti-depressant drugs and physical activity had both been found to boost regeneration of the hippocampus, she said.