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Stress
Hormone Offers Target for Memory-Boost Drugs
(New York, Reuters Health, 9/17/02)
Dr. Sonia J. Lupien of McGill University's Douglas Hospital
Research Center in Canada, and colleagues, observed the effect
of the stress hormone, cortisol, on memory. When the
researchers administered a cortisol-inhibiting substance to
older adults, it impaired the memory of subjects who normally
had moderate cortisol levels; while it did not affect those
who normally had high levels of the hormone. When the
researchers administered a substance to bring the cortisol
back to its starting point, it restored the memory of subjects
who began with moderate levels; whereas, it diminished memory
function for those with high cortisol level. |
Article Summary