A new study sheds light on a concerning link between anxiety and the risk of developing dementia in older adults. Conducted by researchers from the University of Newcastle’s School of Medicine and Public Health, the study found that individuals aged 70 or younger with anxiety have an elevated risk of developing dementia as they age. Particularly alarming is that those with chronic anxiety face a 2.8 times greater risk, while individuals with new-onset anxiety are 3.2 times more likely to develop dementia compared to those without anxiety.
The findings suggest an urgent need to address anxiety as a potential risk factor for dementia. Anxiety, which can affect people at any age, has been more thoroughly studied in older adults, especially those over 60. The study emphasizes that treating anxiety could mitigate this risk, indicating that the brain retains a degree of resilience even in older age.
“The findings suggest that anxiety may be a new risk factor to target in the prevention of dementia, and also indicate that treating anxiety may reduce this risk,” – Kay Khaing
Anxiety often coexists with other conditions such as depression and sleep disorders, both linked to dementia. Chronic anxiety might contribute to a prolonged stress response, potentially leading to neuroinflammation and neuronal damage, recognized risk factors for dementia. Moreover, stress hormones like cortisol can negatively impact brain regions associated with memory and cognitive functions.
“In the beginning, when they realize their memory is deteriorating, it makes sense that a person would become very anxious about developing memory problems,” – Toy
The study's longitudinal analysis from the Hunter Community Study revealed significant insights into anxiety's impact on dementia risk. Importantly, participants whose anxiety symptoms were effectively treated by the second check-in did not exhibit an elevated dementia risk, underscoring the importance of timely intervention.
“This underscores the importance of timely and effective treatment for anxiety,” – Podkovik
Current treatments for anxiety typically involve cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy with antidepressant medications. Researchers advocate for early screening and intervention, ideally around age 40, to support cognitive health and prevent future risks.
“Screening for anxiety in midlife could become a routine part of health assessments, and early intervention could be emphasized in public health campaigns,” – Nealon
Dr. Kay Khaing, the study's author, emphasizes the negative impact anxiety can have on the brain and stresses the importance of seeking help for excessive or persistent anxiety.
“If someone has excessive or persistent anxiety, we advise [them] to seek help, as anxiety can be recovered and treated,” – Khaing
Anxiety's relationship with cardiovascular disease also warrants attention, particularly in younger patients. The increased risk of cardiovascular issues due to anxiety further complicates its role as a risk factor for dementia.
“That also helps reduce the risk of dementia in later life,” – Khaing
Researchers suggest that mental health care should be integral to dementia prevention strategies. This approach could help halt or reverse damaging cognitive processes associated with anxiety.
“The resolution of anxiety could potentially halt or reverse these processes, reducing the associated [dementia] risk,” – Toy
The study also highlights the possibility that anxiety might serve as an epiphenomenon or a marker for an ongoing dementia process.
“another possible explanation could be that anxiety is actually more of an epiphenomenon, or a marker for the dementia process which is developing,” – Toy
Although prior research has not always distinguished between chronic and new-onset anxiety, this study provides fresh insights into their respective impacts on dementia risk.
“prior research has not always differentiated between chronic and new-onset anxiety,” – Toy
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