Constant Stress May Impair Memory

Chronic stress can impair executive functions, such as memory and attention, and has been shown to trigger maladaptive changes associated with stress-related mental disorders. Some previous studies have suggested that stress hormones impair behaviors mediated by the prefrontal cortex, the brain region responsible for executive function.  Zhen Yan, from the State University of New York (New York, USA), and colleagues exposed young male rats to repeated stress, which resulted in a significant impairment of the temporal order recognition memory – a cognitive process controlled by the prefrontal cortex, as well as suppression of the glutamate receptor expression pyramidal neurons in that same brain region.  The study authors submit that: “Our results suggest that repeated stress dampens [prefrontal cortex] glutamatergic transmission by facilitating glutamate receptor turnover, which causes the detrimental effect on [prefrontal cortex]-dependent cognitive processes.”