What is the main consequence of failing to manage stress for brain health?

Failing to manage stress has a profound impact on brain health, primarily leading to decreased brain functionality. Chronic stress can result in the overproduction of cortisol, a stress hormone that, in excessive amounts, can damage brain cells especially in areas critical for memory and learning, such as the hippocampus. This damage can manifest as impaired cognitive abilities, poor decision-making, and diminished problem-solving skills.

Moreover, unmanaged stress can disrupt the brain's neuroplasticity—the ability to form new connections and pathways—which is essential for learning and adapting. When stress levels remain high, there is also a connection to neuroinflammatory processes and decreased neurogenesis, further contributing to a decline in overall brain function.

In contrast to the other options, increased happiness, improved social interactions, and enhanced cognitive abilities are typically associated with effective stress management rather than a consequence of mismanagement. Therefore, the focus on decreased brain functionality aligns directly with the deleterious effects of chronic stress on cognitive health.