Stress plays a central role in functioning for all life forms. As humans, we experience stress in a multitude of ways through various types of stimuli. Due to the constancy of stressors in our lives, the nervous system has learned to allosterically adapt to the stimuli. However, when the body cannot adapt to chronic stress it can have morphological and degenerative impacts on neuroanatomy and cognitive function that may or may not be reversible. In this literature review, our aim was to identify the specific neuroanatomical structures that were impacted most by the long-term effects of chronic stress. We also describe the impact the subsequent relationship between chronic stress and the morphological changes had on cognitive function, especially on medical students. We completed our analysis through a compilation of clinical trials and other systematic reviews. Our sources were assessed on credibility and referenced from Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, and NCBI. The effects of various types of chronic stress had the most impact on neurogenesis and neuronal development, brain plasticity, and spatial learning and memory with association to the hippocampus. These structures had both reversible and non-reversible morphological alterations, which also had a direct impact on the brain’s cognitive abilities. While the results and impacts of chronic stress are still being conducted, future research may be able to further highlight why stressful stimuli can particularly impact these structures and the tangential impacts that it may have on related or adjacent structures. 
Introduction
With the hustle and bustle of daily life and the constant pressures of the evolving world, chronic stress has become a commonplace occurrence. Stress is categorized as any intrinsic or extrinsic stimulus that evokes a biological response, with the compensatory responses to these stimuli labeled as stress responses (1). Stressors can have an influence and impact on psychosocial health, physiological health, and even how the body maintains homeostasis (2). While the central nervous system is primed to produce integrated coping responses, it is the autonomic nervous system that engages in the fight, flight, or coping mechanisms that help the body adjust and adapt to the stressful stimuli that it may encounter (3). Some stress responses may be instantaneous, but if the stimuli persist over a long period of time, it is generally referred to as chronic stress (3). 
How an individual reacts to the strain that long-exposed stimuli pose can potentially affect both mental and physical health, with chronic stress having a more permanent effect on the body than short term stressors (4). Additionally, the time course of stress responses can be measured by the neuroendocrine and behavioral responses from the body, which can identify how destabilizing the stimulus makes the stress manageable or harmful (1). How the stressors are processed, in turn, can have a remarkable toll on the development and functioning of the brain and nervous systems. 
The brain plays a key integratory role in processing stimuli in the adaptation to stress. Stress and stimuli are information that stimulate behavioral and physiological responsiveness between the brain and other systemic functions (4). Beyond the acute responses to stress that life may pose, allostatic load is considered to be the integral feature of chronic stress that leads to degenerative effects (5). Allostatic load includes innate and adaptive processes that help to maintain homeostasis through mediator chemical messengers like adrenaline and cortisol (6). With allostatic load comes the heightened wear and tear on the central and peripheral nervous systems and even down to the cellular level (7, 8). This systematic review aims to focus on identifying key neurological structural changes that may be induced by the effects of chronic stress and put into context how these changes may, in turn, lead to changes in behavioral or mental health as well.


The Effects of Chronic Stress on Neuroanatomy and Cognitive Function

 Neurology

poster

Welcome to the **largest national, multi-specialty research** event featuring research from nearly 700 medical students, residents, fellows, and international medical graduates.

Use the buttons below or navigation menu to access the event.
 


[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/3e33a8c754cc49610b30950617d813e7.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/sessions?searchGroup=all)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/551404d429c4e274f9a54cbdd7081918.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/posters?searchGroup=all)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/677d92f566b880cebd36905fc738fc10.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/lounge)
 
[![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/c7392833c7261c3874c5b43fa2f4df19.png)](https://underline.io/events/434/help-desk)
 

#### Event Details

The 2023 American Medical Association Research Challenge includes a poster symposium hall and a semifinals hall with the top scored research. **Log in at any time throughout the event to:**

* **View posters and presentations** on a variety of topics and specialties
* **Score posters in the semifinals** to help decide the top five finalists (AMA member exclusive opportunity)
* **Connect with participants** and provide feedback to help advance their research
* **Attend education sessions** with physician experts on key research topics

At the conclusion of this event, the AMA will announce the top five finalists who will advance to the AMA Research Challenge finals, present their research to an elite panel of judges, and compete to win a $10,000 grand prize sponsored by Laurel Road. 

### Grand Prize Sponsor

AMA would like to thank Laurel Road for sponsoring a $10,000 grand prize for the winner of the AMA Research Challenge. Laurel Road is not involved in the judging or scoring process to select the winner. The winner will be announced on February 4, 2024 during the AMA Research Challenge finals. Payment of the grand prize will be directly from Laurel Road. See the AMA Research Challenge Official Rules for terms and conditions.

![](https://assets.underline.io/uploads/markdown_image/1/image/611e331d4a0eba0920f240cfc04b4d77.png)

**There is no registration fee for this event! **

Register to explore research in a variety of topics. AMA members get exclusive access to score posters in the semifinals.

**Please use this link [here](https://www.ama-assn.org/about/events/ama-research-challenge) to register for free.**

Registration Is Required

AMA Research Challenge 2023

Join the AMA Research Challenge poster symposium and semifinals to explore top research posters, score posters in the semifinals (an AMA member exclusive opportunity) and attend education sessions with experienced physicians to learn tips to advance your research and career. 

Niki Viradia

1

SHORT BIO

Presentations

The Effects of Chronic Stress on Neuroanatomy and Cognitive Function

Stay up to date with the latest Underline news!

PRESENTATIONS

CONFERENCES

COMPANY

RESOURCES