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Cortisol Mediated Neurodegeneration

Meaning

The pathological process where sustained, excessive exposure to the primary glucocorticoid, cortisol, results in measurable damage or functional destruction of neurons within the central nervous system. This is a significant concern in states of chronic HPA axis hyperactivity, often manifesting as hippocampal atrophy and associated cognitive deficits. The process involves direct excitotoxic effects on neuronal structure and function over prolonged periods of hypercortisolemia. Clinically, it represents a critical endpoint of chronic stress signaling that compromises neural tissue maintenance.