Health
Fact-checked

At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

What is Hippocampal Atrophy?

Maggie Worth
Maggie Worth

Hippocampal atrophy is a form of brain damage that impacts both memory and spacial navigation. It is often associated with memory-loss conditions, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Causes include severe trauma, oxygen deprivation and encephalitis and may also include both long-term stress and neurological disorders, such as multiple sclerosis, epilepsy and schizophrenia. While prescription medications can slow atrophy and therapy can help manage the effects, there is no known cure for hippocampal atrophy.

The hippocampus is an extension of the cerebral cortex and is located in the medial temporal lobe. Most experts agree that it plays a significant role in both memory and in spacial awareness, though the details of its involvement are widely disputed. It also appears to play a significant role in olfactory memory. Atrophy is a shrinking or lessening; hippocampal atrophy, then, is a shrinking of the hippocampus.

Most experts believe the hippocampus, which is in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, plays a significant role in memory.
Most experts believe the hippocampus, which is in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, plays a significant role in memory.

Lack of oxygen is a main cause of brain damage, including this type of atrophy. When the oxygen supply to the brain is cut off, brain cells begin dying and portions of the brain begin to atrophy. Head trauma, often caused by a severe blow or impact or to conditions that cause the brain to "slosh" around within the skull, is another cause. Certain diseases, such as encephalitis, are also known to damage the hippocampus. People who experience bilateral hippocampal damage, which is damage to both sides of the hippocampus, may be unable to form new memories.

Hippocampal atrophy is often associated with memory-loss illnesses like dementia.
Hippocampal atrophy is often associated with memory-loss illnesses like dementia.

While epileptic seizures are often known to focus in the hippocampus, there is some debate as to whether the seizures cause hippocampal atrophy or whether the atrophy causes the seizures. There is also a known link between shrinkage of the hippocampus and Cushing's syndrome and both are thought to be tied to excess cortisol levels. Schizophrenia sufferers frequently experience atrophy in this portion of the brain, though the causal relationship, if any, is unclear.

Long-term stress--and steroids use to treat it--can diminish the capabilities of the hippocampus.
Long-term stress--and steroids use to treat it--can diminish the capabilities of the hippocampus.

The hippocampus can also be impacted by long-term stress and, more specifically, by the steroids often used to control long-term stress. Long-term use of such medications can limit the activity of existing neurons in the hippocampus and can also prevent the formation of new ones. This type of damage is often associated with post-traumatic stress disorder and severe depression.

Hippocampal atrophy is often caused by head trauma caused by a severe impact.
Hippocampal atrophy is often caused by head trauma caused by a severe impact.

Early symptoms of hippocampal atrophy in humans can include difficulty recalling the recent past and disorientation. It may also be marked by a difficulty in performing spatial navigation, which generally equates to a tendency to get lost, even in familiar environments. In animals, the atrophy is often marked by increased, almost harried, activity. Function of the hippocampus is demonstrated by the presence and frequency of electrical activity, which can be measured by an electroencephalogram and evaluated by a professional.

Discussion Comments

Forterdom

What is very interesting in this article is the correlation between stress and hippocampus size. The emotions and memories from the stress translate into a physical change in the brain to further problems. The brain is a fascinating and powerful part of our bodies.

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Most experts believe the hippocampus, which is in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, plays a significant role in memory.
      By: pankajstock123
      Most experts believe the hippocampus, which is in the medial temporal lobe of the brain, plays a significant role in memory.
    • Hippocampal atrophy is often associated with memory-loss illnesses like dementia.
      By: Monkey Business
      Hippocampal atrophy is often associated with memory-loss illnesses like dementia.
    • Long-term stress--and steroids use to treat it--can diminish the capabilities of the hippocampus.
      By: Igor Mojzes
      Long-term stress--and steroids use to treat it--can diminish the capabilities of the hippocampus.
    • Hippocampal atrophy is often caused by head trauma caused by a severe impact.
      By: corepics
      Hippocampal atrophy is often caused by head trauma caused by a severe impact.
    • There is a link between shrinkage of the hippocampus and Cushing's syndrome.
      By: joshya
      There is a link between shrinkage of the hippocampus and Cushing's syndrome.