Title : The effect of stress on cognitive functions of the brain
Abstract:
Actuality of the theme: Cognitive health is an important component of performing everyday activities. The cognitive function of brain includes complex attention, executive function, learning and memory, language, perceptual motor control, and social cognition. These skills together allow us to function as healthy adults. Many regions fundamental to emotions are buried deep in the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex. Stress is so common in today’s world. No matter what you do or who you are, you have days of exhaustion. It is so ironical that one of the major contributors to it is the excessive dopamine we get from using our “supposed assets”- gadgets. Today’s world is full of competition, which is responsible for introduction of stress in everyone’s life. Every person wants to be the best, for if they lag, someone is there to fill their place. An unhealthy present paves the way to an unhealthy tomorrow. The impact of stress on brain begins in the womb itself, through the mother. The foetal period is critical for development of a human brain, a negative influence on it can cause prenatal stress. This prenatal stress includes ADHD in children and even mental conduct disorders. Children are ready to learn from their environment, a stressful environment affect baby’s brain development and pose immune system problems too. It can cause increased risk of preterm deliveries. The fact that this topic is so familiar made me choose it for my presentation.
Purpose of the theme: To master the knowledge about structures of the brain. To discuss effects of stress on cognitive functions of the brain. It is important to do so as- if one is able to recognise the stressful stimuli, they will work to manage and deal with it. It provides us a sense of stability as a person. To spread awareness in the population.
Materials and methods: For my research, I took the help of materials available on internet that correspond to the data given by WHO. Other sources for my deeper understanding of the theme are NCBI website- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/ , Harvard Health Edu, and of course, my medical books and professors teachings.
Result: The brain changes that occur due to stress may be reversible in some people. It not only depends upon the intensity with which external stimuli of stress is acted, but also on how an individual reacts, his mental composition. So in chronic patients, stress may sometimes be irreversible, or difficult to reverse. Stress and disease go hand in hand.
Conclusion: Empirical evidence supports a strong relationship between psychological stress and disease development in all ages. It is not only confined to a mother but also pose neurological diseases in offsprings. Stress should be treated, everyone should celebrate after a hectic week, have enough rest days, as a balance is important in all aspects of life. One must also talk to family and friends once in a while and should indulge in activities that they like.
