Recent animals studies suggest that stress can cause Alzheimer’s
Some newly published studies done on laboratory animals have shown a disturbing correlation. Hence, the studies have shown a relationship between stress and Alzheimer’s. Furthermore, stress has been shown to worsen its progression. However, it is important to note that the cause of Alzheimer’s in humans is yet to be discovered. Hence, many different theories have been proposed that suggest stress plays a crucial part in One’s developing Alzheimer’s.
Stress activates the HPA axis. In addition, this activation often stimulates the release of the stress hormone cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone that is released in response to fear as well as heavy loads of stress. For example, when a person has chronic stress, high cortisol levels can will impact the immune system. They will often change many levels of physiological thinking processes . Again, leading to depression, anxiety and early-onset dementia. They can directly affect the pathological processes of Alzheimer’s. Cortisol, in heavy amounts has been shown to cause inflammation leading to damage in the memory center of the brain. High levels of cortisol may reduce the ability to learn and retain new information (this is called short-term memory loss).
Deposition of beta-amyloid happening in One’s brain
Alzheimer’s is will cause an increase levels of beta-amyloid. First, this is an extremally a toxic protein. The proteins will actually cause a kind of ” plaque buildup” inside the brain. Animal research has uncovered ” stress increased the production of toxic beta-amyloid in animals”. Furthermore, the study showed a significant decline in cognitive functioning in the test animals.
All the studies evaluating the role of stress in the development of Alzheimer’s have been conducted in animals. These studies have strongly suggested stress as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s. Human studies to substantiate the same are lacking. Studies targeting cortisol and beta-amyloid levels have been shown to be effective in animal models of Alzheimer’s. However, when similar experiments were conducted in humans, only a modest effect was observed.
Scientists have suggested that behavioral, psychological or pharmacological strategies aimed at increasing resilience to stress might delay the onset or slow the progression of Alzheimer’s.
Some drugs that seem to work in animals have not been successful in treating humans. It is not known how much stress is required to cause Alzheimer’s. Moreover, how everyone perceives and copes with stress differs considerably. Therefore, more studies in humans are required before saying that stress affects Alzheimer’s. There may also be other causative factors at play. Human studies are also necessary to find out if anti-stress therapies can be used to treat Alzheimer’s.
How to cope and reduce your levels of stress
The most recent theories are inconclusive whether long periods of prolonged stress increases can raise the chances of developing dementia. This being said, try to do things that relieve stress. levels. In addition, reduction stress will lower the chances of other illness. For example, heart disease and breathing issues. Med-Q Pill Box With Alarms offers theses tips to cope with stress.
- Go for a relaxing massage : A good a massage is a great way to relieve stress as well as anxiety.
- Try relaxation techniques: For example, deep breathing or self- meditation. Other example, try doing some tai chi and even low impact yoga.
- Get a Smart Pill Box with Alarms: Getting a smart pillbox relieves the stress and worry if medication was taken properly. This will lower stress and anxiety.
- Look into getting some cognitive behavioral therapy : Psychotherapists have been know to try CBT . Thus, changing the way people think about stressful situations.
- Get regular exercise: Exercise will releases feel-good hormones, such as dopamine that is known to lift your mood.
- Enjoy simple pleasures: Do what you enjoy doing. Watch a funny movie, paint, go for long walks, work in the garden, light a fragrant candle and soak in a bubble bath.
- Spend time with family and friends: Try to spend more time with friends and family members . For example, give them a call over the phone. Have them over for a cup of coffee . Furthermore, lunch or dinner would be nice. Try to share experiences with them. In addition, you are able to tell them how you feel. Finally, this will surely reduce your stress burden immediately.
- Listen to soft music: If you are unable to stop bad, negative thoughts, turn on some feel-good, foot-tapping, upbeat music. This will work wonders.
