Which stress hormone causes the brain to divert resources away from functions like memory and concentration?
Answer
Cortisol
When the body experiences significant stress, the brain becomes flooded with specific stress hormones, most notably cortisol. This hormonal surge triggers a prioritization shift within the brain's resource allocation. Higher-level cognitive functions that are not immediately essential for perceived survival, such as memory consolidation, long-term planning, and sustained concentration on complex tasks, have their resources redirected. This reallocation supports immediate survival responses, which explains why an individual under high stress finds it difficult to focus on details or recall recent information, as the brain is effectively operating in a limited, high-alert mode.
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