The hippocampus is the part of the brain responsible for storing and recovering memories. Damage to the hippocampus can result in the difficulty or inability to store and retrieve information. Damage to the hippocampus can occur when our body releases too much of the hormone cortisol which enables us to respond to stressful events.
Research has shown that people with chronic or severe Post Traumatic Stress Disorder have smaller hippocampi. This leads researchers to believe that chronic stress due to PTSD can ultimately damage the hippocampus. They have also found that people who genetically have smaller hippocampi are more vulnerable to developing PTSD.
This information is important because it will help develop ways to treat and prevent the disturbances associated with PTSD such as nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive memories, panic attacks, and amnesia
PTSD is far more common than people think. About 11-20% of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have developed PTSD and still others with the affliction may not know they have the condition leaving them to suffer alone . Below is a video of war veterans sharing their distress with the condition.
