Students stressed over their next exam have another thing to worry about: It could have a long-term impact on their health.
Recent UF research found a possible link between stress and Alzheimer’s disease, which is an advanced form of memory loss, said Dr. Todd Golde, who conducted the research and is the director of the UF Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease.
The researchers found a hormone released in response to stress causes a protein known as amyloid beta to form, Golde said.
When the protein builds up, it creates a plaque in the brain, which can cause brain degeneration leading to Alzheimer’s.
Golde conducted the research with Seong-Hun Kim, a psychiatrist in Seattle; Hyo-Jin Park, an assistant scientist in the UF College of Medicine’s department of aging and geriatric research; and Kevin Felsenstein, an associate professor of neuroscience in UF’s College of Medicine.
Golde said the exact causes of Alzheimer’s have been unclear for a long time.
"This research provided a molecular link that suggests there is a plausible connection between stress and Alzheimer’s disease," Golde said.
UF advertising senior Isrrael Pena said he is stressed because he’s trying to balance responsibilities: Hispanic Heritage Month, classes and other extracurricular activities.
"I think overall everyone should manage their stress," the 22-year-old said, explaining that stress isn’t good for students’ health.
Golde said he thinks it’s important for all ages to be healthy, which can mitigate stress.
To be healthy, he recommends that people exercise and socially engage with others.
"We should all take time to do things in life that make us happy," said Golde.
