Common Mental Health Disorder May Triple Risk for Developing Dementia, Study Finds

A recent study has found a significant connection between anxiety and dementia. Researchers say that those who suffer from anxiety triple their risk of developing dementia later in life. Published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, it is the first study of its kind to investigate the link between anxiety and dementia over time. 

The Importance of Understanding the Link Between Anxiety and Dementia

Dementia cases continue to surge every year, with 55 million people currently diagnosed with the condition worldwide. [1] At its current trajectory, that number is set to reach 139 million people by 2050. Dementia also ranks as one of the leading causes of death. This is why health professionals are determined to research the condition’s causes, such as lifestyle habits or anxiety. While there had previously been studies that explored the link between anxiety and dementia, these only measured the anxiety of the participants at one point in time. This led to inconclusive results, making the researchers realize the necessity to evaluate the impact of anxiety over a longer period. 

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The Anxiety and Dementia Link Study

The 2,132 participants of the study were recruited from the Hunter Community Study between 2004 and 2007. The Hunter Community Study is a group of men and women aged 55 to 85 who reside in Newcastle, New South Wales. [2] For the anxiety and dementia study, the participants were required to provide their health data to the researchers. This included data on whether they smoked, drank alcohol, or suffered from any conditions such as diabetes or hypertension. The study comprised three assessments of the participant’s level of anxiety, each taken five years apart. Participants who only exhibited signs of anxiety in the first assessment and not the others were considered resolved. If the anxiety was only noted in the second assessment, then it was regarded as new-onset anxiety. If the participant exhibited high levels of anxiety in every assessment, then it was considered chronic anxiety. 

Results of the Anxiety and Dementia Study

Out of the 2,132 participants who took part in the study, 64 ultimately developed dementia. Suffering from new-onset and chronic anxiety was found to be linked to a three-times higher risk of developing dementia. The researchers also found that the average diagnosis time was ten years. The increased risk of developing dementia in those who resolved their anxiety in the first five-year period was so low as to be comparable to participants who displayed no anxiety at all. The results called attention to the importance of early anxiety detection. However, the researchers did not gather data on what ultimately helped participants overcome their anxieties. 

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The Connection Between Anxiety and Neurodegenerative Diseases

The relationship between anxiety and dementia might be partly attributed to anxiety’s connection to vascular disease, which is a known cause of dementia. [3] Stress and anxiety cause inflammation and increase cortisol levels in the brain (which both kill nerve cells). When we feel anxious, there is also an associated build-up of beta-amyloid – regarded as one of the typical signs of Alzheimer’s disease. Anxiety also results in changes in the brain structure, such as hippocampal atrophy, which is likewise associated with Alzheimer’s disease. It has also been suggested that anxiety could be an early manifestation of already present underlying conditions. 

How to Manage Your Anxiety

Anxiety is generally considered a natural response to the stresses of life. However, it’s important to reach out for support when things start to feel overwhelming. Talking to your doctor can help you explore different options, including lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, stress management techniques, improving sleep quality, and getting regular exercise. Treatment options typically involve various forms of therapy or medications used for depression. [4] However, it’s advised to avoid medications that can potentially affect brain function. 

These include benzodiazepines, tricyclic antidepressants, and even strong antihistamines. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often highly recommended for many anxiety disorders. This is because it helps identify and change unhealthy thought patterns that may lead to negative behaviors and beliefs. At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right balance and support system to take care of your mental and physical well-being.

The Bottom Line on Anxiety and Dementia

The continued growth in dementia cases underscores the need to study its probable causes, particularly the impact of anxiety. The anxiety and dementia study has provided researchers with crucial information about how chronic and new-onset anxiety can dramatically raise the chance of getting dementia. [5] These findings emphasize the need for early diagnosis and management of anxiety, not just for mental health but also for potentially lowering dementia risk. Adopting healthy lifestyle changes and accessing appropriate therapies can significantly help with anxiety management. Maintaining a balanced attitude to health can dramatically impact our mental health, too!

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