International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume 11 Issue 05, May 2024
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Lifespan Stress effect on brain cognitive function AL Khaled Muhsen Master Degree Student at Beijing university of Technology- Chemistry and life science college -Beijing, China 研究生-北京工业大学-化学与生命科学学院-生物医学工程 ---------------------------------------------------------------------***---------------------------------------------------------------------
Abstract
including mental health, cardiovascular disorders, and a decrease in cognitive function [1][2]. Its detrimental impact has been well elaborated in most of the life stages on subjects of both sexes, except in the case of cognitive and neurological outcomes, where its effects were found to be different according to some studies, proposing that gender may be a factor influencing the physiological and psychological responses to stress [3][4]. Studies from neuroimaging have also shown that stress may facilitate changes in brain structure and functioning that underlie the observed differences in cognitive performance across life stages [5][6].
This study examined the influence of chronic stress on cognitive functions over the lifespan, drawing on a large, richly characterized pool of participants in the UK Biobank. Participants were grouped according to their own reported stress levels during childhood and adulthood and were categorized into one of four groups: low childhood, high to middle adulthood stress; low stress in both childhood and adulthood; high to middle stress in both childhood and adulthood; high to middle childhood and low adulthood stress. Cognitive performance was assessed with measures of memory, problem-solving, and fluid intelligence, among other indices. A one-way ANOVA with a Tukey post hoc honest significance difference test was used to determine the differential effect of stress on cognitive outcome. Statistically significant differences were found between the high stress group and the low stress group in regard to their cognitive performance, with those who had high stress during both childhood and adulthood faring the worst. Conversely, drops in stress across time from childhood to adulthood seemed to buffer some of the deleterious cognitive effects but not to the level of individuals with consistently low stress. The results provide a critical piece of information on the role of timing and intensity of exposure to stress on cognitive functions and suggest that timely and sensitive interventions might be of critical importance in buffering against the long-term adverse impact of stress. The study will extend knowledge on how chronic stress affects cognitive resilience and inform strategies to promote cognitive health across the lifespan.
1.1 Importance of Studying Lifespan Stress Understanding the effects of stress across different stages of life is critical, primarily due to the profound and varied impacts stress can have on brain health and cognitive functions. Stress experienced during critical developmental periods, such as childhood or adolescence, can influence the trajectory of brain development and have lasting effects on neural structures and functions. These changes can, in turn, affect cognitive abilities, mental health, and overall quality of life. 1.2 Data and Methods Overview The methodology of this study involved a comprehensive analysis using data sourced from the UK Biobank, which is a large-scale biomedical database and research resource containing in-depth genetic and health information from approximately 500,000 participants across the United Kingdom. The data includes a wide range of biomarkers, health outcomes, and self-reported information, which allows for a robust examination of the links between stress, brain health, and cognitive functions.
Key Words: Stress, Cognitive Function, Lifespan Psychology, Neurobiology, UK Biobank, Chronic Stress, Cognitive Resilience, Mental Health
1. INTRODUCTION
2. METHODS
Chronic stress is a key public health challenge and affects several features of human health across the lifespan. This study aims to leverage a large epidemiological data set available through the Biobank to clarify the nuanced implications of stress on cognitive performance and mental health. In addition, this study will address the gap in existing research on possibly sex-specific reactions to stress and the possibly mediating impact of neurobiological changes in response to stress. Previously, chronic stress had been linked to several conditions,
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2.1 Data Source and Participant Categorization Participants from the UK Biobank were categorized based on self-reported stress levels during childhood and adulthood into four groups: Low Childhood, High to Middle Adulthood Stress; Low Stress in Both Childhood and Adulthood; High to Middle Stress in Both Childhood and Adulthood; High to Middle Childhood, Low Adulthood Stress. These categorizations facilitate an analysis of stress
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