Brain damage likely from chronic stress and anxiety: Study

Based on the results of an analytical study, scientists from the Rotman Research Institute, a division of Baycrest Health Sciences, caution people that chronic stress and anxiety may lead to an increased risk for developing depression, and even dementia.

So what exactly is chronic stress?

Anxiety, fear and stress are common emotions and are considered a normal part of life. But only if they are occasional and temporary, such as feeling stressed and anxious before a job interview or an exam. However, when those acute emotional reactions become more frequent and long-lasting, their status changes to chronic stress.

To put it more scientifically, chronic stress is an abnormal state that is caused by an extended activation of a normal acute stress response. Chronic stress can wreak havoc on many systems in the body including the immune system, the cardiovascular system, and the central nervous system – atrophy of certain important areas in the brain.

Complete story at http://www.belmarrahealth.com/brain-damage-likely-from-chronic-stress-and-anxiety-study/