LE PORTRAIT MAGAZINE Feb.27.2015 | Page 42

to the person? Did you ever go to the store and forget what you went there to buy? I’m certain most of us can say we’ve experienced these lapses of memory. A lot of short-term memory loss is associated with the simple fact that we didn’t pay attention; even that is a reflection of the way our brains function. However, much of it can be related to the many stressors we face each day. Stress is an especially important factor that can lead to both clinical depression and memory loss because too much cortisol is being secreted. Dr. Sonia Lupien, at the National Institutes of Health, reported that cognitive function and memory loss were directly related to increases in cortisol levels. Memory loss can also reflect damage to the brain’s neurotransmitters, and stress is related to the death of neurons. Additionally, with excess calcium being produced, more free radicals are also being produced, killing brain cells. The brain can’t lay down new memories without sufficient supplies of glucose, so if the glucose supply is disrupted by stress, memory suffers. Organic nutrition is a delicious way to boost brain function 42 Le portrait magazine