Cause 10: Chronic Stress: The Stealthy Foe in FTD Progression
Mental or emotional stress is an unavoidable part of life. But when stress becomes chronic, it can have far-reaching effects on our health, including an increased risk of developing FTD. Chronic stress induces a series of physiological changes that can ultimately contribute to neuronal damage.
Under chronic stress, the body continually releases stress hormones like cortisol. While these hormones are beneficial in acute situations, their prolonged presence can alter various brain functions, potentially leading to neurodegeneration. This persistent hormonal barrage can disrupt neuronal communication, promote inflammation, and even result in neuronal death.
Interestingly, chronic stress can also affect the brain’s structure. Regions associated with memory, emotion, and cognition – the very areas targeted in FTD – can shrink under the constant strain. Over time, this structural change may contribute to FTD symptoms and exacerbate disease progression. (10)
