The doctor revealed the main cause of memory deterioration

A persistent feeling of absent-mindedness, brain "fog," and memory problems may be directly linked to chronic stress — and here's why.

As reported by TUT.AZ with reference to "Lenta.ru," nutritionist Marina Ivanova from the Fitomarket marketplace revealed the mechanism behind this process. She identified the stress hormone cortisol as the main culprit behind the decline in cognitive functions. Its prolonged elevation impacts the ability to learn and memorize, and can also cause structural changes in the hippocampus — the very brain region responsible for forming new memories.

The specialist emphasized that in small doses, cortisol is an ally of the body, helping it mobilize during critical moments. However, under chronic stress, it turns into a destructive force — suppressing the function of memory centers and reducing the activity of the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for logical thinking and self-control. At the same time, brain regions associated with fear and anxiety become overactivated. The result is that it becomes increasingly difficult for a person to concentrate, make decisions, and keep emotions under control.

The situation is exacerbated by yet another factor: stress almost inevitably disrupts sleep. This deprives the brain of the opportunity to fully recover — it is precisely during the deep sleep phase that the brain clears out metabolic waste products and toxins. This creates a vicious cycle: stress destroys sleep, sleep deprivation intensifies stress, and cognitive abilities continue to decline.