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Cognitive Function

Chronic stress negatively impacts cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making by elevating cortisol levels and affecting brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. While short-term stress can enhance focus, prolonged stress leads to distractibility and impulsive decision-making. Implementing strategies like mindfulness, exercise, and social support can help mitigate these effects and protect cognitive health.

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sara shrestha
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12 views1 page

Cognitive Function

Chronic stress negatively impacts cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making by elevating cortisol levels and affecting brain regions like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. While short-term stress can enhance focus, prolonged stress leads to distractibility and impulsive decision-making. Implementing strategies like mindfulness, exercise, and social support can help mitigate these effects and protect cognitive health.

Uploaded by

sara shrestha
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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The Impact of Stress on Cognitive Function

Prepared by Sara

June 18, 2025

Introduction
Stress is a universal experience that can significantly influence cognitive processes such as mem-
ory, attention, and decision-making. While short-term stress may enhance focus, chronic stress
often impairs cognitive function, affecting both mental health and daily performance. This
document explores the psychological mechanisms behind stresss impact on cognition and offers
strategies to mitigate its effects.

Key Points
• Neurobiological Effects: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels, which can damage the
hippocampus, a brain region critical for memory and learning. Prolonged exposure may
reduce neuroplasticity, impairing the brains ability to adapt.
• Attention and Focus: Acute stress narrows attention, aiding immediate task focus, but
chronic stress leads to distractibility and reduced concentration due to prefrontal cortex
overload.
• Decision-Making: Stress biases individuals toward impulsive or risk-averse decisions, as
the amygdala (emotion center) overrides the prefrontal cortex (rational thinking).
• Mitigation Strategies: Techniques like mindfulness meditation, regular exercise, and
adequate sleep can lower cortisol and enhance cognitive resilience. Time management and
social support also reduce stress-related cognitive decline.

Conclusion
Chronic stress poses a significant threat to cognitive function, affecting memory, attention,
and decision-making through neurobiological and psychological pathways. By adopting stress-
reduction strategies, individuals can protect their cognitive health and improve performance.
Awareness and proactive management are key to mitigating stresss detrimental effects.

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