If you want to keep your short-term memory, relax!

We all know stress is bad for us, but a new study has revealed that stress is potentially linked to short-term memory loss in old age.

When we’re stressed, our body produces cortisol – which is fine in small amounts as it’s vital for survival as it makes us more alert – but according to this study prolonged spikes in cortisol can weather the brain.

Jason Radley, an assistant psychology professor at the University of Iowa explained: “Like a rock on the shoreline, after years and years it will eventually break down and disappear.”

The study could lead to the possibility of finding treatments that reduce cortisol levels in susceptible individuals; for example people who suffer from depression or have suffered a traumatic event.