Hair follicle sits at the center of this dementia and brain health question.
Stress and hair loss are closely linked, and one of the key factors connecting them is oxidative damage to hair follicles. When we experience stress, our body responds by releasing stress hormones like cortisol. This hormone can disrupt the normal growth cycle of hair, leading to conditions such as telogen effluvium, where a significant amount of hair enters the resting phase and falls out.
Oxidative stress, which occurs when there is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, can also damage hair follicles. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause harm to cells, including those in the hair follicles. This damage can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.
Stress exacerbates oxidative stress by increasing the production of free radicals and reducing the body’s ability to neutralize them. This can lead to inflammation and damage to the hair follicles, making it harder for hair to grow.
Furthermore, stress affects the hair growth cycle by hastening the transition from the anagen phase (the active growth phase) to the telogen phase (the resting phase). This means that more hair is in the resting phase and is more likely to fall out.
In addition to cortisol, other stress-related hormones like corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) play a role in hair loss. CRH is present in the skin and can inhibit hair growth by prematurely ending the anagen phase and reducing the proliferation of keratinocytes, which are essential for hair growth.
Understanding the link between stress, oxidative damage, and hair loss can help in developing strategies to mitigate these effects. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques, maintaining a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, and using products that protect against oxidative stress can all contribute to healthier hair follicles and reduced hair loss.
For more, see Alzheimer’s Association — medical tests.
