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The stressed hippocampus, synaptic plasticity and lost memories.
Jeansok J Kim1, David M Diamond
1Department of Psychology and Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06520-8205, USA. jeansok.kim@yale.edu
Nature Reviews. Neuroscience
|June 4, 2002
Summary
Stress significantly impacts learning and memory by altering brain cells, particularly in the hippocampus. This overview explores how stress affects memory and presents a model of these neurobiological interactions.
Area of Science:
- Neurobiology
- Cognitive Science
- Stress Research
Background:
- Stress is a significant biological factor impacting cognitive functions like learning and memory.
- The hippocampus plays a crucial role in memory formation and is highly sensitive to stress.
- Understanding stress-induced changes in the hippocampus is vital for addressing cognitive impairments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the neurobiology of stress and memory interactions.
- To present a neural endocrine model explaining stress's effects on hippocampal functioning.
- To offer insights into mnemonic mechanisms vulnerable to stress.
Main Methods:
- Review of extensive rodent and human research on stress and memory.
- Analysis of neurobiological sequelae of stress in animal models.
- Development of a neural endocrine model for stress-hippocampal interactions.
Main Results:
- Stress alters brain cell properties, disturbing cognitive processes.
- The hippocampus is critically involved in memory and is sensitive to stress.
- Stress-induced changes in the hippocampus impact learning and memory.
Conclusions:
- Stress has profound neurobiological effects on memory formation and recall.
- The hippocampus is a key brain region mediating stress's impact on cognition.
- A neural endocrine model can elucidate how stress modifies hippocampal function, offering insights into memory vulnerability.