Registered Practical Nurse (RPN) Practice Test

High levels of stress can damage which part of the brain, leading to memory deficits?

1. Cerebellum

2. Hippocampus

3. Frontal lobe

4. Brainstem

The correct answer is: Hippocampus

High levels of stress are particularly damaging to the hippocampus, an area of the brain that is crucial for the formation and retrieval of memories. Prolonged stress can lead to elevated levels of cortisol, a stress hormone, which negatively impacts hippocampal function and structure. Studies have shown that chronic stress can lead to a reduction in the volume of the hippocampus, resulting in significant memory deficits. The hippocampus is responsible for processing and storing new information, and damage to this region can manifest as difficulties in learning new material or recalling information efficiently. This relationship between stress and the hippocampus highlights the importance of managing stress for cognitive health.