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The Athlete's Way
Chronic Stress Can Damage Brain Structure and Connectivity
Chronic stress and high levels of cortisol create long-lasting brain changes.
Posted Feb 12, 2014
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Neuroscientists have discovered how chronic stress and cortisol can damage the brain. A new study reconfirms the importance of maintaining healthy brain structure and connectivity by reducing chronic stress.
Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have found that chronic stress triggers long-term changes in brain structure and function. Their findings might explain why young people who are exposed to chronic stress early in life are prone to mental problems such as anxiety and mood disorders later in life, as well as learning difficulties.
It has long been …show more content…
Kaufer et al published their findings in the February 11, 2014 issue of the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Chronic Stress Changes Neural Networks
The "gray matter" of the brain is densely packed with nerve cell bodies and is responsible for the brain's higher functions, such as thinking, computing, and decision-making. But gray matter is only half of the brain matter inside our heads—the other half of brain volume is called white matter.
White matter is comprised of axons, which create a network of fibers that interconnect neurons and creates a communications network between brain regions. White matter gets its name from the white, fatty myelin sheath that surrounds the axons and speeds the flow of electrical signals between neurons and brain regions.
Find a TherapistTopicsGet HelpMagazineTestsExperts
Find a Therapist
City or Zip Christopher Bergland Christopher Bergland
The Athlete's Way
Chronic Stress Can Damage Brain Structure and Connectivity
Chronic stress and high levels of cortisol create long-lasting brain changes.
Posted Feb 12, 2014
SHARE
TWEET
MORE
Source:
Neuroscientists have discovered how chronic stress and cortisol can damage the brain. A new study reconfirms the importance of maintaining healthy brain structure and connectivity by reducing chronic stress.
Neuroscientists at the University of California, Berkeley, have found that chronic stress triggers long-term changes in brain structure and function. Their findings might explain why young people who are exposed to chronic stress early in life are prone to mental problems such as anxiety and mood disorders later in life, as well as learning difficulties.
It has long been …show more content…
Kaufer et al published their findings in the February 11, 2014 issue of the journal Molecular Psychiatry.
Chronic Stress Changes Neural Networks
The "gray matter" of the brain is densely packed with nerve cell bodies and is responsible for the brain's higher functions, such as thinking, computing, and decision-making. But gray matter is only half of the brain matter inside our heads—the other half of brain volume is called white matter.
White matter is comprised of axons, which create a network of fibers that interconnect neurons and creates a communications network between brain regions. White matter gets its name from the white, fatty myelin sheath that surrounds the axons and speeds the flow of electrical signals between neurons and brain regions.