francene--blog. Year 2013
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10/1/2013

 
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We know that the risk factors for dementia are complex and our age, genetics and environment may all play a role. A new study on 800 Swedish women shows that mid-life stress may increase a woman's risk of developing dementia. Those who had to cope with events such as divorce or bereavement were more likely to get Alzheimer's decades later.

Stress hormones may be to blame, triggering harmful alterations in the brain. These can cause a number of changes in the body and affect things such as blood pressure and blood sugar control.

However, more work is needed to confirm the findings and ascertain whether the same stress and dementia link might also occur in men. See more here. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-24332082

But what is stress? Pressure turns into stress when you feel unable to cope. People have different ways of reacting to stress, so a situation that feels stressful to one person may be motivating to someone else.


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Many of life’s demands can cause stress, particularly work, relationships and money problems. And, when you feel stressed, it can get in the way of sorting out these demands, or can even affect everything you do. Stress can affect how you feel, think, behave and how your body works.

You may feel anxious, irritable or low in self esteem. You may have racing thoughts, worry constantly or go over problems. Perhaps you lose your temper more easily, drink more, act unreasonably or even experience headaches, muscle tension or pain, or dizziness.

Stress causes a surge of hormones in your body. These stress hormones are released to enable you to deal with pressures or threats – the so-called "fight or flight" response to rouse the body for emergency action.

Your heart pounds faster, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, muscles tighten, and your senses become sharper. These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed your reaction time, and enhance your focus.

Once the pressure or threat has passed, your stress hormone levels will usually return to normal. However, if you're constantly under stress, these hormones will remain in your body, leading to the symptoms of stress and can proceed to dementia according to the new report.


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Modern life is full of hassles, frustrations, deadlines, and demands. For many people, stress is so commonplace that it has become a way of life. On the other hand, stress isn’t always bad. Sometimes, it can help you perform under pressure and motivate you to do your best. But when you’re constantly running in emergency mode, your mind and body pay the price.

The stress response also helps you rise to meet challenges. Stress is what keeps you on your toes during a presentation, sharpens your concentration when you’re attempting to answer a question ahead of your peers, or the game-winning maneuver in sports. Stress drives you to study for an exam when you'd rather be watching TV.

But beyond a certain point, stress stops being helpful and starts causing major damage to your health, your mood, your productivity, your relationships, and your quality of life. A helpful site on dealing with stress. http://www.helpguide.org/mental/stress_signs.htm

When I split with my first husband over 25 years ago, I suffered quietly. After moving closer to my mother, the doctor diagnosed clinical depression and suggested I find a job that would lift me out of the cycle. I worked as a companion for about six months, and then as a nanny, eventually moving from Australia to London in that capacity. I've never reached that low point since. I'm hoping those stressful times didn't damage my brain. Maybe a positive attitude can combat a potential threat.


Stephanie Pawley link
9/30/2013 07:39:05 pm

I found your blog via the Ultimate Blog Challenge Facebook group. I just wanted to say that I really enjoyed reading this post. I think I read it at a right time for me as I am a bit stressed as of lately. I took a look at the layout and content of your blog and I am really enjoying it, plus I like how simple the title is of the blog itself!

Francene Stanley link
10/1/2013 03:17:17 am

Take care of yourself, Stephanie. Think of positive things and let go of all that's going wrong.

Nikki@WonderfullyWomen link
9/30/2013 08:29:22 pm

I have had my share of massive stress attacks, when my 23 year marriage collapsed just shy of three years ago, I did not think I would survive. But I sure have, and things are getting better and better. xx N (UBC)

Francene Stanley link
10/1/2013 03:18:19 am

So glad things are improving for you, Nikki. Persevere. Endure. Be happy.

Amy link
9/30/2013 09:58:50 pm

Francene,
I didn't know about this link between stress and brain problems, but it makes sense. Stress is hard on all the tissues of the body, so of course it would take its toll on the brain, too. Need--to--take--care--of--your--brain!

Francene Stanley link
10/1/2013 03:19:19 am

It does. doesn't it. Stress is bad for every part of the body and mind.

Alana link
10/1/2013 08:39:36 am

Another informative post from you. This makes me think so much of a aunt, who was diagnosed with cancer less than two years after an extremely stressful time in her life. We should never blame people for "their" cancer, and it may have been a total coincidence - or the stress could have triggered something latent. We will never know.

Francene Stanley link
10/1/2013 06:44:05 pm

Your poor aunt. Stress can affect us in so many ways.

Amy Putkonen link
10/1/2013 12:29:41 pm

Hi Francene,

I found you through UBC as well. Good luck with the challenge!

Although I am happy to say that I am not as stressed as that poor woman in your picture, I do feel very stressed at work. I was in a meeting today and was a bit early so I just sat in the empty conference room and soaked up the lovely silence. Then, later, when the meeting started dragging on and on I found myself getting really tense and irritable. I wanted to just get up and leave, as none of it had anything to do with me and I had about 5000 things on my plate, as usual. I have considered just walking out of my job many times. It is crazy how much they pile on workers these days with no regard to how long people can actually work at a crazy pace of life. It is sad and upsetting. So thank you for your wonderful post!

Francene Stanley link
10/1/2013 06:46:40 pm

So sorry for you, Amy. I can just imagine what you're going through. Sometimes we can take the burden piled upon us, and other times it seems too much to bear. If you don't need to concentrate on what's going on, think of other things that bring you peace.


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    Author

    Francene Stanley, author of many published novels. If you like my writing, why not consider purchasing one of my books? You'll see them on the sidebar below.
    Born in Australia, I moved to Britain half way through my long life.

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