Common mental health disorder may triple risk for developing dementia, study finds

As if people with anxiety don’t have enough to worry about, a new study suggests the disorder may nearly triple the risk of developing dementia years later. The research is the first to look into the association between different severities of anxiety and dementia risk over time, and the effect of the timing of anxiety on this risk. More than 55 million people worldwide have dementia, a number expected to increase to 139 million by 2050. Previous studies exploring the relationship between anxiety and dementia have provided mixed conclusions. The study involved 2,132 participants and found that chronic and new anxiety were associated with a higher risk of dementia. Anxiety that resolved within the first five years was not associated with greater risk. The results were largely driven by participants under 70. The findings highlight the importance of addressing anxiety early and consistently. Stress increases cortisol in the brain and inflammation, both of which can lead to nerve cell death. Anxiety is also associated with beta-amyloid buildup, a hallmark sign of Alzheimer’s. An early manifestation of underlying brain disease may contribute to anxiety. People with anxiety are also more likely to make unhealthy choices such as poor diet and smoking. Managing anxiety can involve lifestyle changes, therapy, or medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a recommended treatment for anxiety disorders. Practicing meditation, limiting expectations, and surrounding oneself with positive influences can also help manage anxiety.