According to a study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, high levels of stress among people aged 45 or older can raise their risk of developing cognitive impairment. Cognitive impairment is described by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention as the inability to recall information, learn new information, focus, or make judgments that have an impact on daily activities.

In the study, 24,448 people were enrolled, and the researchers used standardized testing to determine the cognitive status of each participant, such as stress levels, etc. The findings of the study showed that 23% of the participants reported higher stress levels, which involved feelings or situations beyond their ability to cope.

It also showed that the rate of cognitive decline was greater among the most stressed participants, regardless of age, race, or sex. It is a known fact that cognitive impairment is a key feature of Alzheimers disease and other dementias.

Additionally, several studies have shown that chronic stress is linked with various physical and mental health problems, such as anxiety, depression, headaches, heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep problems, and more. 

(Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/04/10/stress-cognition-aging/ )