Researchers from Harvard Medical School tested over 2,000 people with an average age of 49. The study, published in the journal 'Neurology,' found people with higher levels of cortisol (the stress hormone) had impaired memories and smaller brains.
"Cortisol affects many different functions so it is important to fully investigate how high levels of the hormone may affect the brain." Justin B. Echouffo-Tcheugui
In a 2014 study by the University of California, it was found that chronic stress can cause long-term changes in brain structure and function.
Sudha Seshadri, co-author of the new study, thinks the results are both "alarming and an opportunity" because cognitive decline could be a precursor for dementia.
"I cannot tell you for sure that lowering cortisol is going to necessarily result in benefits, but it's a first step." Sudha Seshadri, co-author, to 'Time'
