From the Research
Cortisol is unlikely to improve neural circuit dysfunction and may even exacerbate it, especially with chronic elevation or dysregulation, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2024 1. The effects of cortisol on neural circuits are complex and can be both beneficial and detrimental, depending on the context and levels of cortisol. At low to moderate levels, cortisol can temporarily enhance some neural circuits involved in attention and memory formation. However, chronic elevation of cortisol typically damages neural circuits, particularly in areas like the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, leading to impaired cognitive function and worsened neural circuit dynamics.
Some key points to consider:
- Cortisol dysregulation, neuroinflammation, and cerebrovascular dysfunction are biological processes that have been separately shown to be affected in Alzheimer's disease (AD) 1.
- Elevated cortisol levels can inhibit perceptual learning and block improvements in tactile acuity 2.
- High levels of cortisol can have anti-proliferative effects on neural stem/precursor cells, leading to apoptosis and necrosis 3.
- Antidepressants may modulate glucocorticoid receptor function and enhance negative feedback by endogenous glucocorticoids, potentially reducing cortisol's detrimental effects on neural circuits 4.
- The cortisol awakening response (CAR) is a biomarker of stress and potential intermediary between stress and impaired brain function, with associations between the CAR and both memory and executive functions 5.
In terms of treatment, short-term, controlled cortisol administration (such as hydrocortisone at 10-100mg daily for limited periods) might provide benefits by reducing inflammatory processes that disrupt neural signaling, but this should be approached cautiously under medical supervision. The therapeutic window is narrow, and both too little and too much cortisol can be harmful to neural circuits. Any consideration of cortisol as a treatment should prioritize minimizing potential side effects, including mood disturbances, metabolic changes, and immune suppression.