Summary
Early research findings presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London suggest that stressful life events, and more generally the chronic stress of enduring social deprivation life-long, may age the brain. The researchers claim that extremely stressful experiences may act to age the brain “by least four years”. This particular study does not cover the risk factors for dementia, per se.
Reference
Triggle, N. (2017). Stressful experiences ‘can age the brain by four years’. London: BBC Health News, July 17th 2017.
See also:
Reference
Stressful life experiences age the brain by four years, African-Americans most at risk. Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2017. [London. Online]: Alzheimer’s Association, July 2017.
The Alzheimer’s Association AAIC Press Office has provided a curated collection of associated press releases, pertaining to the 2017 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC®2017).
Reference
Alzheimer’s Association International Conference® 2017. Full List of Press Releases. [London. Online]: Alzheimer’s Association, July 2017.
Cortisol
Possibly of indirect interest, regarding levels of the hormone cortisol in stressful situations:
Reference
Devoted football fans experience ‘dangerous’ levels of stress. London: BBC Health News, January 24th 2020.