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Cognitive Load Assessment

Meaning

Cognitive load assessment is the clinical and psychophysiological measurement of the mental effort exerted while an individual processes information or performs a task. This evaluation quantifies the demand placed on working memory resources, differentiating between intrinsic, extraneous, and germane load components. In the context of hormonal health, excessive cognitive load is a chronic stressor that can dysregulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. Accurate assessment helps in designing environments and tasks that optimize mental performance and minimize stress-induced physiological strain.