Final answer:
Chronic stress impairs memory by causing neuronal death, particularly in field CA1 of the hippocampus, due to increased glucocorticoids and pro-inflammatory mediators. It also inhibits neurogenesis, which is crucial for learning and memory.
Step-by-step explanation:
Chronic stress can impair memory by causing physiological changes in the brain. One of the main effects is the enhancement of immune function and proliferation of microglia due to increased glucocorticoids, which can lead to neuronal death in the hippocampus. This process involves the release of pro-inflammatory mediators that result in hippocampal dendritic atrophy and the death of neural cells, specifically within field CA1 of the hippocampus. Moreover, chronic stress inhibits neurogenesis, the birth of new neurons, which plays a crucial role in learning and memory. The suppression of neurogenesis by prolonged stress negatively impacts memory formation and recall, while exercise and certain medications have been shown to promote this process. It's important to note that although psychological factors such as depression can affect the quality of education due to impaired neuron development and brain shrinkage, the stress-related impairment of memory predominantly involves biological reactions to prolonged cortisol exposure.
Therefore, among the provided options, the correct answer is (2) destroying cells within field CA1 of the hippocampus.