Disrupted Connections: The Impact of Acute Stress on Memory Integration

Launched by NEVADA STATE UNIVERSITY · Jun 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This study is looking at how stress affects the way people remember and connect new information with what they already know. Researchers want to see if being stressed makes it harder to “connect the dots” between different memories, which is important for learning and using knowledge in new situations. During the study, participants will take a memory test designed to measure this ability, and their stress levels will be checked by measuring cortisol, a hormone the body releases when stressed. The researchers believe that higher stress and cortisol levels will make it more difficult to perform well on the memory tasks.

Healthy adults between 18 and 35 years old who speak English and have normal or corrected vision can take part. People who are pregnant or have recently exercised, smoked, or used drugs or alcohol within an hour before the study won’t be eligible. Participants will be asked to complete memory tests while their stress hormone levels are monitored. This study could help us better understand how stress affects learning and memory in everyday life, as well as in situations like school or work, and might also provide insights for people who have memory difficulties related to stress.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • healthy adults
• • aged 18-35 years
• • speak fluent English
• • have normal or corrected-to-normal vision
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • individuals who are pregnant
• • exercise within 1 hour of the study session
• • smoking within 1 hour of the study session
• • consuming drugs or alcohol within 1 hour of the study session