Biology
The Effects of Chronic Stress on Hippocampal Neurogenesis and Memory
Quick fact
Prolonged stress can actually shrink the hippocampus, a brain region critical for forming new memories, and it reduces the birth of new neurons by up to 50% in some brain areas.
Why this is interesting
Have you ever felt so stressed that you couldn't remember where you put your keys? Chronic stress does more than that—it physically changes your brain's memory center.