One of the effects produced by prolonged release of cortisol is neuronal damage that may contribute to dementia.

Cortisol

A steroid hormone produced by the adrenal glands, often released in response to stress and low blood-glucose concentration.

Neuronal Damage

Harm or injury to neurons, the basic working units of the brain and nervous system, leading to various neurological conditions.

Dementia

An umbrella term for various neurological conditions characterized by a progressive decline in cognitive function, affecting memory, thinking, orientation, comprehension, calculation, learning capacity, language, and judgement.