Prolonged stress is often seen as a normal reaction to difficult situations. However, recent research reveals that this stress can have long-lasting and damaging consequences on the brain. A study led by researchers at the University of Bonn explores how chronic stress affects synapses, the crucial connections between neurons, and how these alterations can manifest as motor and cognitive disorders.
The effects of stress on brain synapses
Chronic stress, when prolonged, can cause harmful changes in the brain. German researchers recently observed these effects through a study involving mice. Using advanced microscopy techniques, scientists were able to examine changes in synapses, which are essential junctions between neurons allowing communication between nerve cells.
« By observing neurons under different levels of stress, we were able to detect significant losses of synapses “, explains Dr Anne-Kathrin Gellner, specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy at the University Hospital Bonn. This degradation of synapses is associated with deficits in motor skills, highlighting the impacts of stress on brain function.
Impact on motor and cognitive abilities
The study results showed that mice exposed to prolonged stress lost up to 15% of their synapses in specific brain regions. This loss was correlated with marked difficulties in motor learning tests. For example, stressed mice needed several trials to complete simple tasks, such as grasping and carrying food with one paw, unlike unstressed mice who succeeded more quickly.
Surprisingly, even mice considered resilient, which did not show obvious signs of stress, showed similar motor disorders. This suggests that chronic stress can cause persistent brain alterations, even in the absence of immediately visible symptoms.
Implications for early detection of disorders
These findings highlight the importance of detecting the effects of stress before they lead to more serious disorders. According to Professor Valentin Stein, co-author of the study, the motor deficits observed could be used as early indicators of stress-related disorders, such as depression. “ Motor tests could therefore serve as valuable tools to identify the impacts of stress on the brain before the appearance of more severe clinical symptoms. “, he says.
Towards a better understanding and management of stress
This research highlights the need to better understand the mechanisms by which chronic stress affects the brain. The implications are vast, particularly for the development of more effective stress management strategies and for the prevention of associated cognitive and motor disorders.
Taking steps to manage stress proactively is crucial to maintaining long-term brain health. Reducing stress, through techniques such as cognitive therapy, meditation or behavioral interventions, can play a vital role in protecting brain function and maintaining optimal quality of life.
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