Sunday, July 4, 2010

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may increase dementia risk

“This poorer performance on cognitive testing compared with those without PTSD could be a risk factor for development of dementia because those with worse function may have less cognitive reserve and be at higher risk for cognitive impairment,” the researchers wrote.

In addition, chronic stress may damage or shrink the hippocampus, which is important in memory and learning. If PTSD leads to hippocampal atrophy, this, in turn, may increase risks of cognitive deficits and dementia.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may increase dementia risk | KevinMD.com

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