Final answer:
It is true that chronic stress can increase cortisol levels and lead to memory deterioration as we age. Elevated cortisol from prolonged stress can negatively affect the immune system and impair hippocampal function, which is important for memory formation.
Step-by-step explanation:
True, with age, chronic stress does indeed increase blood levels of cortisol and can contribute to memory deterioration. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid hormone released by the adrenal cortex during the long-term stress response. It primarily affects glucose metabolism and has anti-inflammatory properties through the suppression of the immune system.
When the body experiences chronic stress, the hypothalamus triggers the anterior pituitary gland to release ACTH, which in turn stimulates the adrenal cortex to secrete corticosteroids, including cortisol. Sustained high levels of cortisol have been shown to negatively affect bodily processes. Specifically, they can weaken the immune system, increase susceptibility to certain diseases, and exacerbate conditions like depression.
The hippocampus, an area of the brain crucial for memory formation, is highly sensitive to stress hormones due to its abundance of glucocorticoid receptors. Over prolonged periods, elevated cortisol levels can impair hippocampal function, leading to memory issues. Additionally, as we age, the adrenal glands' structure changes, affecting cortisol production which might interact with chronic stress to impact memory.