Stress Worsens Inflammation, and Inflammation Alters Stress Tolerance

When a stressful situation and an inflammatory situation coincide, it often leads to an amplification of inflammation. Inflammation, in turn, can affect brain function (Sickness behavior). This amplification of inflammation can be beneficial when there are acute infection problems. The mutual immediate assistance of the immune system and the brain generates a stronger anti-infectious response. This interaction is also beneficial in fight or flight reactions involving injury and infection. However, patients with chronic inflammatory diseases are at a disadvantage in stressful events, as these can trigger disease flare-ups. Moreover, brain performance is impaired in chronic inflammation. In old age, chronic stress, e.g., when caring for relatives with dementia, plays an important role because these situations exhibit increased inflammation. This chapter briefly discusses anti-stress therapies.