ANXIETY is linked to an increased risk of dementia, a new study suggests.
Researchers found that those with the common mental health problem under the age of 70 were much more likely to be diagnosed with the brain-robbing disease later in life than those without.
But if the anxiety was considered resolved, the participants were no more likely to develop dementia than those who never had it.
This suggests that the link between the two conditions may be reversed, the study authors said.
“Chronic anxiety and new anxiety were associated with increased risk of all-cause dementia, and this association was significant in those aged 70 and under,” said Dr. Kay Khaing of the University of Newcastle in Australia.
“However, anxiety resolved at follow-up reduced risk, similar to that in the unexposed group.
“These results suggest that timely management of anxiety may be a viable strategy in reducing the risk of dementia.”
Scientists studied 2,132 “cognitively healthy” people aged 55 to 85 from New South Wales for an average of 10 years.
More than a third (21 percent) experienced anxiety during the first test, three percent developed dementia and seven percent died.
The average onset of dementia was 10 years.
Participants with chronic anxiety were 2.8 times more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
And new-onset anxiety was associated with a 3.2-fold increased risk of the disease.
Even higher risks were seen in adults with anxiety before age 70.
But the scientists said the most important finding was that people whose anxiety resolved had no greater risk of dementia than those without current or past anxiety.
“Although this type of question cannot be subjected to a randomized clinical trial, this prospective cohort study used causal inference methods to explore the role of anxiety in promoting the development of dementia,” said Dr. Khaing.
“The findings suggest that anxiety may be a new risk factor to consider in preventing dementia and also indicate that treating anxiety may reduce this risk.”
The results were published in Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
SCIENCE BEHIND THE LINK
Dr. Khaing added, “To our knowledge, this is the first study that evaluates the effect of anxiety persistence (chronic vs. resolved vs. new anxiety) and timing of anxiety exposure on dementia risk.”
Previous research has linked anxiety to vascular disease and dementia through factors such as neuronal inflammation, brain atrophy, beta-amyloid formation and cardiovascular disease.
However, the results were mixed.
Generally, scientists understand that people with anxiety are more likely to adopt unhealthy lifestyle behaviors, including poor diet, physical inactivity and smoking – all of which can cause cardiovascular disease (which includes conditions that affect the heart or blood vessels). blood vessels, generally associated with cardiovascular diseases). accumulation of fatty deposits inside the arteries and increased risk of blood clots).
There is strong evidence linking cardiovascular disease to dementia, “so these are plausible direct and indirect mechanisms by which anxiety may increase the risk of dementia,” the authors stated.
Around one in 10 people in the UK experience anxiety at some point.
There are several treatments available, including self-help resources, talking therapies, and medications.
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What really is anxiety and how can you combat it?
Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid.
It’s a natural human response when we feel threatened, and most people experience it at times.
Anxiety becomes a mental health problem if it affects your ability to live your life as fully as you want. For example:
- If your feelings of anxiety are very strong or last a long time
- Your fears or worries are disproportionate to the situation
- You avoid situations that might make you feel anxious
- Your worries are very distressing or difficult to control
- You find it difficult to live your everyday life
- You regularly experience symptoms of anxiety
There are dozens of anxiety symptoms that can affect the body and mind.
This can be everything from a churning feeling in your stomach to trouble sleeping to feeling like the world is speeding up or slowing down.
Around one in 10 people in the UK experience anxiety at some point.
There are several treatments available, including self-help resources, talking therapies, and medications.
Some of the best-documented ways to combat anxiety are:
- Talking about your feelings – whether with friends, family, healthcare professionals or a counselor
- Calming breathing exercises – such as breathing in for four seconds, holding for five, and exhaling for six
- Exercise – like running, walking, swimming and yoga to help you relax
- Manage your worries – this could be setting aside specific time to focus on your worries or writing them down and keeping them in a designated place
- Medication – including antidepressants, pregabalin, beta blockers or benzodiazepine tranquilizers
- Improving the way you sleep – such as ensuring your bedroom is comfortable, dark and quiet, and not doing anything too stimulating before going to bed
- Eat a healthy diet – including regular meals to keep energy levels stable
- Peer support groups – from local to online communities
- Listen to free audio guides on mental well-being
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy – online or in-person
- Applied relaxation therapy – which involves learning how to relax your muscles in situations where you normally feel anxiety
- Alternative therapies and techniques such as meditation, aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, herbal treatments, Bach flower remedies and hypnotherapy
If you are struggling with anxiety, speak to your GP or call the Mind information line on 0300 123 3393.
Source: Mind It is National Health Service
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