Cortisol’s Impact on Memory

1. Cortisol’s Impact on Memory

2. Cortisol • Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal cortex in response to stress. • When stressed, Cortisol increases energy production as part of “Fight or Flight.”

3. Newcomer et al. (1999) • Aim: This four day experiment looked at how levels of cortisol impact people’s ability to remember verbal information. • Independent Variable: Level of Cortisol in system • Dependent Variable: Ability to recall verbal information.

4. Participants • Participants: 51 normal and healthy people aged 18-30. • Randomized Control and Experimental Groups • Double-Blind Study

5. Conditions Each group was given a tablet containing different levels of cortisol. • High Level: Tablet of 160 mg Cortisol each day…simulates a major stressful event. • Low Level: Tablet of 40 mg of Cortisol each day…Simulated a minor stressful event. • Placebo: Tablet with no active ingredient.

6. Results • The High Level group performed worse on the memory test than the Low Level group. • The Low Level group showed no memory decrease when compared with the placebo group.

7. Conclusion • High Levels of cortisol have a negative impact on a person’s ability to recall verbal data. • Lots of Cortisol = Worse Memory