Conditions such as Sleep apnea, PTSD and depression are associated with changes to the hippocampus. For example, some research suggests that stress associated with PTSDmay also lead to damage to the hippocampus. People with PTSD have smaller hippocampi than people without PTSD.18
People with sleep apnea and PTSD experience more severe symptoms, as the may be associated with damage to the hippocampus, but this may be able to be reversed with the right treatments.
Head trauma can damage the hippocampus, so it is important to utilize protective equipment, including helmets and seatbelts, in situations where an accident might result in a brain injury.
Some of the signs of damage or injury to the hippocampus include:
- Changes in cognitive functioning
- Mood dysfunction14
- Problems storing memories
- Difficulty recalling long-term memories
- Spatial disorientation and getting lost in familiar places
- Losing or misplacing items often
- Problems following directions
- Problems with decision-making
- Difficulty carrying on conversations
- Increased fight/flight
Sources