Too much stress can cause a release of cortisol, which can lead to memory loss.

As mentioned in Distress, cortisol can have a negative impact on the hippocampus. The hippocampus is an important part of the brain responsible for local memory, indexing systems (where the brain stores information) and the immune system. The release of cortisol can weaken the hippocampus, resulting in:

• The reduction of concentration span
• Decision making becoming more difficult
• Memory loss
• Mental blocks (you may have noticed this before or during a test/exam).