~Stress + Pressure = Memory Loss~

I was browsing though a set of local papers when I stumbled upon this interesting article in the medical section. It was actually proving the point that when you are stressed, it somewhat affects your memory.

According to a US study, stress activates an enzyme in the brain, which interferes with short-term memory and other functions of the pre-frontal cortex, which is located just above the eyes, in rats and monkeys.This enzyme, known as Protein Kinase C (PKC), is also implicated in bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. It is said that the first sign of psychological problems becomes evident during major, stressful changes in lifestyle, such as when a young person leaves home for studies abroad.

By acting on the pre-frontal cortex, PKC could be a factor in distractibility, impaired judgement, impulsivity and thought disorder, all of which have been tied to this brain region. Stated above would at least give some rational understanding of what is causing these irrational disorders.

Also, it is a breakthrough in understanding the causes of some kinds of mental illnesses.Recent researches had found high PKC activity among people with mental disorders. Similar stress levels are found in humans when confronted with a loud noise or just before an exam.

These new findings may also help us understand the impulsivity and distractibility observed in children with lead poisoning. Very low levels of lead can activate PKC, and this may lead to impaired regulation of behaviour.It doesn’t have to be traumatic, as long as you feel out of control. Control is the essential factor, if you are confident, you don’t have these problems.

Meaning to say that if I am confident in any and everything I do, I wouldn’t have to encounter an activation of PKC within me, which in turn affects my memory!