In recent years, studies have shown that the respiratory condition, asthma, is potentially associated with greater risk of developing memory loss.
Asthma is a common respiratory condition characterized by inflammation of the airways affecting millions of individuals worldwide. Understanding the relationship of asthma and memory loss can empower individuals as well as healthcare providers to take on proactive measures.
Asthma is a condition that can lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, and coughing. These symptoms primarily focus on respiratory health, but researchers are beginning to investigate its influence on the brain. Asthma affects about 260 million people worldwide.
“I was diagnosed with asthma at a young age, but I never thought that it might affect my memory,” said Ciarra Mangibuyat ’27.
A study by the National Institutes of Health collected an analysis of episodic memory within children, results finding that children with asthma had lower scores on the memory task than children without the lung condition.
In an article from UC Davis, corresponding author Nicholas Christopher-Hayes stated that “Childhood is a period of rapid improvement in memory and, more generally, cognition. In children with asthma that improvement may be slower.”
One possible connection is the role of oxygen in the brain: reduced airflow causes the brain to have insufficient oxygen, known as the condition, hypoxia. According to the National Institutes of Health, hypoxia is known to impair cognitive functions, and if experienced repeatedly, may accumulate and worsen cognitive deficits.
“To avoid my asthma, I try to avoid intense physical activities,” Mangibuyat added.
Another possible factor is psychological stress, known to affect memory and performance. Stress hormones in the brain, like cortisol, can interfere with the brain’s ability to retain and retrieve information. Not managing mental illnesses may amplify the inflammation and disrupt hormonal balances, leading to further cognitive deficits.
“Hardly ever have I felt that I didn’t have a good memory. To be honest, I think I have a better memory than average,” said Mangibuyat.
The relationship between asthma and memory loss is still under investigation, but several studies back up a possible link. Recognizing the potential impacts towards their cognitive function could pave the way for better management strategies as well as better quality of life.
