The stress of financial burdens could have repercussions on the brain

The study, led by Isglobal researcher Eider Arenaza-Urquijo, which included 1,200 participants, maintains that financial stress and the death of a partner are linked to brain damage and an increased risk of Alzheimer's.

It suggests that certain stressful events in modern life could affect brain health in different ways, depending on gender and educational level.

Likewise, stressful events we experience throughout our lives "can negatively affect brain health," and mentions as an example that "grief over the loss of a partner has been linked to alterations in biological processes associated with Alzheimer's disease."

See more: This dog is causing controversy over its tail: they say it's the longest on the planet

He also says that "unemployment and financial loss have been associated with structural differences in the brain." He also said that financial loss was associated with lower gray matter volume in key brain regions responsible for emotional and cognitive regulation.

“Gender differences were also evident in these effects. Unemployment affected men's brains more, while economic losses had a greater structural impact on women's brains ,” the study states.

He explains that “men appear to be more negatively affected by the loss of a partner (which affects amyloid-related proteins) and unemployment (which reduces gray matter).” This could be because “ men tend to have fewer close relationships, which makes the loss of a partner more isolating , and that's why it affects them the most, and because unemployment carries a greater social stigma for them.” See more: 8 Home Remedies to Get Rid of Cockroaches Coming Out of the Sewer

Regarding women

The research maintains that women "appear more vulnerable to financial hardship, which affects their gray matter volume." This could be related to the fact that, historically, women "have had less financial security, and because they tend to report higher levels of financial worry, which negatively impacts their overall mental well-being," according to researcher Arenaza-Urquijo.

Regarding Alzheimer's disease, the study explains that "changes in the brain, such as alterations in the levels of certain proteins , can occur years before the first symptoms appear."

See more: The 9 appliances you should unplug from your home if you go on vacation

For example, he explains that “a lower ratio of amyloid beta 42/40 is observed; this ratio compares the concentrations of two forms of the protein . Since amyloid beta 42 is more likely to aggregate in the brain, a decrease in this ratio in cerebrospinal fluid generally reflects increased amyloid beta deposition in brain tissue, making it an important early indicator of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Higher levels of phosphorylated tau, which causes neuronal damage, and neurogranin, which increases when connections between neurons are lost, are also found,” he says.

Therefore, the loss of a partner was associated with changes in the aforementioned biomarkers. “A lower ratio of amyloid beta 42/40 (a more pronounced effect in men) and higher levels of phosphorylated tau and neurogranin (more pronounced effects in women). All of these effects were more pronounced in people with lower educational levels,” he explains.

A previous study, also conducted by ISGLOBAL, showed that exposure to stressful events in middle-aged people could increase their vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease. It also showed that different stressful situations affect men and women differently. See more: "It affects more and more people": this is the leading cause of disability worldwide.

However, she noted that “the prevalence and impact of stressful life events varies according to certain social determinants, such as gender and education ; women and people with lower levels of education experience more stressful life events, and it is also in these groups where the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease is highest .”

Other research on stress and brain disorders confirms that financial stress can have a significant impact on mental and physical health , affecting cognitive function, altering mood, and leading to physical health problems.

Financial worries can also trigger anxiety, depression, and other disorders , affecting people's ability to make decisions and causing sleep and self-esteem issues. That's why Tatiana Carrillo, a graduate in International Trade and Strategic Coaching, told the Argentine newspaper La Nación that financial stress isn't just an uncomfortable feeling.

See more: PAHO warns that noncommunicable diseases and mental disorders will reduce GDP by 4%.

“It's a real burden that directly impacts the brain. According to various studies in neuroscience and psychology, constant worries about money activate the stress axis (hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal) for prolonged periods, generating high levels of cortisol ,” which affects memory. It also “causes a constant state of anxiety, lack of concentration, low productivity and work performance, and difficulty making clear decisions.”

Gloria Helena Rey