Memory seems to benefit from mental strain

Contrary to common belief, stress is not always a bad thing.

In fact, Ohio State University researchers found that stress actually can improve your memory. At the same time, however, it also can dampen your problem-solving abilities.

"Other studies have suggested that elevated stress levels can actually improve some aspects of cognition, particularly working memory," Jessa Alexander, a neurology research assistant, said in a statement.

To test the effect of stress on memory, Alexander and her colleagues administered a series of easy cognitive tests to 19 first-year medical students. The simple tests were given at a time when the students already were feeling under pressure because they had school exams coming up in less than 10 days.

Stress appeared to help the students memorize a list of numbers. But when it came to solving problems, the students didn't fare as well.

"The results of the two problem-solving tests we administered suggested a decline in problem-solving abilities that required flexible thinking," Alexander said.

After completing their school exams, the students repeated the simple cognitive tests for the researchers -- but the results were not the same.

The scores on the tests given before and after the school exams were reversed. The students' problem-solving abilities proved to be higher when they had less stress, but their memories were not as sharp.

However, not everyone responds to stress in the same manner, said Dr. Vincent Marchello, vice president of medical affairs for Metropolitan Jewish Health System and an assistant professor of clinical medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York City .

"Stress can affect memory in a variety of ways," Marchello told HealthDay . "The impact is specific to the individual and to the type of stress. Stress may enhance memory, it may diminish memory, or it may have no effect on memory."

Also, he said, "stress can be a distracting force that can minimize one's ability to concentrate on complex problems."

No matter how stress affects the brain, too much stress is not good for a person's overall physical health, according to the American Psychological Association. Stress also can trigger depression, Marchello pointed out.

To reduce stress, he recommended: