Could Your Anxiety Be A Prodromal Symptom Of Dementia?

Memory loss and a decline in cognitive function are said to be an expected part becoming old. While missing a few items here and there, forgetting a few names, these may seem like small things, it is a different ballgame for people with dementia all together. Dementia is an umbrella term for brain-related disorders that can cause you to lose some or see a decline in some brain activities like motor skills, remembering details or even making decisions. Globally, there were over 55 million people living with dementia in 2020, and this number is estimated to increase to 78 million by 2030 and 139 million by 2050, being the 7th leading cause of death globally. This is a scary reality for some people and there is not a definitive cure for these issues. A recent study, though has revealed a surprising risk factor for dementia- anxiety.

Anxiety is the constant feeling of worry and uneasiness causing troubles in daily life from interrupted sleeping to an upset stomach. But with the new study, scientists are looking at factors that may lead to to problems memory later in life. A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society shows that people who are often anxious, especially as they get older, may be more likely to develop dementia, which makes it even harder to remember things.

How Anxiety Might Affect the Brain

Anxiety is associated with an increased risk of vascular disease and dementia through various pathways, including neuronal inflammation, cellular apoptosis, brain and hippocampal atrophy, beta-amyloid formation and deposition, and cardiovascular disease. Additionally, individuals with anxiety are more likely to adopt unhealthy lifestyle behaviors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and smoking. These behaviors contribute to cardiovascular disease, a significant risk factor for dementia, highlighting both direct and indirect mechanisms linking anxiety to cognitive decline.

There are a few theories about how anxiety might affect the brain. One such idea is that anxiety tends to cause our body to undergo a lot of stress which can damage the brain over time. Another theory states is that anxiety can interfere with sleep, which further contributes to memory troubles. It's also possible that anxiety affects certain chemicals in the brain that are important for the memory function.

One thing you must remember is that just because anxiety and dementia seemingly connected it does not does not imply that one directly causes the other. More research is needed to understand the relationship between anxiety and dementia.

Simple Anxiety Management Strategies

There are different kinds of anxiety. People who worry all the time, it could be about different things or just obsessing over one thing, this is called chronic anxiety. Other people might start feeling anxious because of something that's happening in their lives, like a stressful job or a health problem. Managing anxiety involves various strategies, and the most effective approach differs for each person. Techniques such as guided meditation, positive affirmations, and lifestyle changes can be helpful:

Slow breathing: Inhale slowly to a count of three, then exhale to a count of three.

Progressive muscle relaxation: Sit in a quiet space, close your eyes, and tense each muscle group from your toes to your head for three seconds before releasing.

Staying present: Anxiety often shifts thoughts toward an uncertain future. Ground yourself in the present moment through meditation and mindfulness.

Even though we need more research to fully understand the link between anxiety and dementia, it's a good idea to take anxiety seriously. Talk to a doctor if your anxiety persists and opt for treatments that can help. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health. And it might just help protect your brain as you get older. Learning ways to manage stress, like exercise and relaxation techniques, can also be beneficial.

The effect of anxiety on all-cause dementia: A longitudinal analysis from the Hunter Community Study. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society. 2024