National Trauma From October 7th Affects Cognitive Health

Since October 7th, Israel has been in a state of prolonged stress, with the public discourse focusing on security and mental health implications. However, Dr. Nati Blum, CEO of the Amada Association and a psychology expert, highlights a less visible but concerning impact on daily life: cognitive and brain health. Many Israelis report issues like difficulty concentrating, increased forgetfulness, word-finding problems, and a general sense of "brain fog." While previously attributed to age or life stress, it's now understood that the national trauma, whether experienced directly or through constant exposure to difficult news, has a real physiological cost.

Biologically, the human brain is not designed for prolonged existential threat. Chronic stress activates the body's defense systems, diverting resources to immediate danger and impairing functions in the hippocampus (learning and memory) and prefrontal cortex (decision-making and concentration). Dr. Blum clarifies that not all forgetfulness or brain fog indicates neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's. Often, anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbances hinder the initial ability to focus and absorb information.

Researchers are concerned about the long-term effects of trauma. A 2023 review in BMC Geriatrics found that exposure to traumatic events increases the relative risk of dementia by 21%, and war-related trauma by 28%. However, professionals emphasize this is not a foregone conclusion. It's too early to determine the impact of October 7th on dementia rates in Israel, as such diseases develop over decades. Israeli research also shows most of the population exhibits resilience and recovery. The cognitive impact also affects those with dementia, with emergency situations exacerbating confusion and anxiety, though this can often be a temporary response to routine changes.

To protect brain health and prevent trauma from causing permanent damage, Dr. Blum recommends practical steps: address memory issues with a doctor if they impair daily function, seek professional treatment for anxiety and PTSD, prioritize consistent sleep, maintain social connections and physical activity, and manage risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, and hearing or vision impairments. The goal, Dr. Blum concludes, is to ensure the national trauma does not erode the ability to think, remember, and build a healthy future.