Stress can reduce a person's thinking performance

 Study finds that stress can impair your ability to think clearly 

New research, just published in JAMA Network Open, suggests that people with high levels of stress may experience cognitive decline, affecting their memory, concentration and learning abilities.

The study authors further reported that "participants with higher levels of stress were more likely to have uncontrolled cardiovascular risk factors and lifestyle factors (including physical inactivity, obesity, and smoking)." bottom.

But even after considering these factors, the study participant was 37% more likely to have cognitive problems. 

They study the relationship between stress and cognition because stress has previously been shown to be a modifiable risk factor for several types of dementia, including the most common type of Alzheimer's disease. I thought it was important. Their analysis was based on data collected as part of the Reasons for Geographical and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) study. The federally funded study included more than 30,000 black and white Americans over the age of 45. Participants were first recruited between 2003 and 2007 and have been followed up annually since then by telephone, questionnaires and home tests.

Purpose of research 

The primary aim of the REGARDS study is to examine differences in brain health. In particular, to examine differences among blacks living in certain areas of the South, the so-called "stroke zones."

An analysis of the data from this new study begin that both breeds had similar associations between increased stress and cognitive decline.However, blacks reported greater stress overall. There was a tendency

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Minority Health Office says a black adult has a 50% higher risk of stroke than a white adult.

Plus, you're about twice as likely to develop dementia, according to the Alzheimer's Association. 

What is known about the effects of stress on health

Stress is a "slow burn," according to Tonya C. Hansel, PhD, LMSW, head of the doctorate program in social work at Tulane University, and it can affect both mental and physical health.

She explained that symptoms of stress include impatience, anxiety, avoiding activities that used to offer delight, and melancholy. It may also show up physically as headaches, stomachaches, and neck pain.

Hansel claims that if we ignore these symptoms—which many people frequently do—they may develop into more significant issues.

In addition, Adam Gonzalez, PhD, a licensed clinical psychologist who serves as vice chair of behavioral health at Stony Brook Medicine and the founding director of the Stony Brook University Mind-Body Clinical Research Center at the Renaissance School of Medicine, described how our minds and bodies react to stress by going through what is known as "the fight-flight-freeze response" when it occurs, regardless of whether the stressor is real or only imagined.

This reaction, when used appropriately, can be beneficial, but it can also lead to issues for us, including difficulties thinking and concentrating, worry and negative thoughts, as well as discomfort from aches and pains. Along with negative emotions like irritation, anxiety, and fear, it can also lead to behavioral problems including binge eating, trouble falling asleep, and substance abuse.

According to Gonzalez, being in a constant state of stress "may generate wear and tear on the mind and body," leading to issues with mental health like anxiety, panic attacks, and melancholy as well as inflammation, lowered immune function, weight gain, hypertension, and cardiovascular issues.

According to Gonzalez, being in a constant state of stress "can produce wear and tear on the mind and body," leading to issues with inflammation, the immune system to work less effectively, weight gain, hypertension, and heart issues in addition to mental health issues like anxiety, panic attacks, and depression.

What to do if you're stressed

Building up your resilience, which Gonzales characterized as "your mind and body's ability to bounce back from adversity," is crucial, he said.

"There are many ways we may concentrate on improving our resilience and coping well with stress, including engaging in good lifestyle behaviors like physical activity/exercise, healthy food, getting adequate sleep, interacting socially with people, and spirituality," he said.

Gonzalez continued by saying that, similar to how we have a stress response, we may also have a relaxation response.

"You can produce or elicit this response," he continued, "while being open to the experience, by continuously bringing your attention to a focus point (e.g., your breath, a pleasant image, word, or phrase).

Gonzalez also mentioned the calming effects of yoga, guided visualization, deep breathing, meditation, and prayer.

He advised people to practice the relaxation response every day for between 5 to 20 minutes. "These practices can be beneficial in the immediate management of stress and they can be helpful in increasing your mind and body's resilience to stress," he said.

Your mind and body will be better equipped to handle stress the more you practice, he said.

Whatever method you use, just trying to reduce your stress can have a positive impact.

Hansel also made the point that it doesn't really matter what you decide to do as much as the fact that you are taking care of yourself.

She also mentioned that the stress-reduction techniques you use may need to vary over time as they may lose their effectiveness with time.

Moving around and engaging in physical activity, getting to bed an hour earlier, or spending five minutes to simply breathe are all examples of adaptable stress reduction, according to the expert.