Topic 4 Cognitive Effects of Micro-aggressive Stress

Chronic exposure to micro-aggressions can lead to chronic stress, which has been linked to cognitive decline and an increased risk of dementia. This is because prolonged exposure to stress hormones can damage brain cells and disrupt the connections between them.

Moreover, the cognitive effects of micro-aggressive stressors are compounded by the fact that they often occur in contexts of structural inequality, such as racism, sexism, or homophobia. This means that individuals who are already marginalized and facing systemic barriers may be further disadvantaged by the cognitive effects of micro-aggressive stressors.