Alzheimer's disease, depression, and stress appear to be linked to a smaller-sized hippocampus. In Alzheimer's, the size of the hippocampus can be used to diagnose the progress of the disease. In people with depression, the hippocampus can shrink by up to 20 percent , according to some researchers.

What happens when your hippocampus shrinks?

Hippocampus Shrinkage and Depression

Hippocampal shrinkage also damages cognitive functions and interferes with the process of creating memories, which has a profound impact on both behavior and the ability to form a stable, realistic, and cohesive sense of self.

What affects hippocampus size?

Stress, clinical depression and PTSD have notable negative effects on the size of the hippocampus.