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Glucocorticoids and cognitive function: from physiology to pathophysiology.

Karen Jameison1, Timothy G. Dinan

  • 1Department of Psychiatry, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.

Human Psychopharmacology
|October 31, 2002
PubMed
Summary
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High cortisol levels, often seen in stress or conditions like depression, impair memory recall. This is linked to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and glucocorticoid receptors, potentially causing lasting cognitive decline.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Endocrinology
  • Psychology

Background:

  • Glucocorticoids, like cortisol, play a role in the body's stress response.
  • Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is implicated in various health conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the literature on the impact of glucocorticoids on cognitive functions, particularly memory and attention.
  • To explore the relationship between HPA axis dysfunction, hypercortisolaemia, and cognitive deficits.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies examining glucocorticoid effects on cognition.
  • Analysis of data from patients with HPA abnormalities (e.g., depression, Cushing's syndrome) and healthy volunteers.

Main Results:

Related Experiment Videos

  • Evidence links HPA axis dysfunction and high cortisol to memory deficits in the medial temporal lobe.
  • Glucocorticoids appear to preferentially impair recall over recognition.
  • Type 2 glucocorticoid receptors are implicated in stress-induced memory impairment.

Conclusions:

  • Glucocorticoid-induced memory impairment involves disruption of hippocampal functioning via altered HPA axis feedback.
  • Chronic high glucocorticoid levels may lead to irreversible neuronal loss and cognitive decline.