Final answer:
Chronic stress leads to increased cortisol levels due to the prolonged activation of the HPA axis, and high levels of cortisol can adversely affect the hippocampus, thereby contributing to memory deterioration. The correct student's answer is C, as chronic stress increases cortisol and can lead to impaired memory.
Step-by-step explanation:
How chronic stress with age affects blood levels of cortisol and memory can be understood by examining the physiological stress response over long periods. Chronic stress typically leads to increased levels of cortisol due to prolonged activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This heightened cortisol level can contribute to catabolic effects on tissues and suppress immune responses. Specifically, the hippocampus, which is crucial for memory formation and contains many glucocorticoid receptors, can be adversely affected by high levels of cortisol, contributing to memory deterioration.
Therefore, the correct answer to the question posed by the student is C) It increases cortisol levels and contributes to memory deterioration. The long-term stress response involves frequent activation or continuous exposure to stressors, leading to sustained cortisol secretion, which can be harmful when it becomes chronic. Chronic stress, unlike short-term stress, can inhibit immune responses and is associated with increased disease prevalence, while also impacting cognitive functions such as memory.