Factors that increase your risk of dementia
There are many risk factors for dementia. Some of these include genetics, depression and anxiety, older age, and being overweight. High blood sugar, excessive alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, and social isolation can also increase the risk of dementia.
Sadly, the risk of dementia is rocketing. Statistics show it’s reaching epidemic proportions globally.
The reality of dementia worldwide
Dementia was the seventh leading cause of death globally. It is also the second leading cause of death in high-income countries in 2020.
Given the increasing social and economic burden of dementia, it makes sense that every effort is made to prevent the disease and target possible modifiable risk factors.
What makes this dementia research different from other studies?
Anxiety is common. However, the effects of chronic anxiety on dementia have not been explored. This study The effect of anxiety on all-cause dementia: A longitudinal analysis from the Hunter Community Study assesses the longitudinal relationship between chronic versus resolved versus new-onset anxiety, and all-cause dementia risk.
Researchers published the results of this latest study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society on the 24th of July 2024.
Timing and chronic versus new-onset anxiety can impact the risk of dementia
- The effects of chronic versus resolved versus new-onset anxiety.
- The effect of timing of exposure to anxiety on all-cause risk of dementia in an existing, longitudinal cohort of community-dwelling older Australians.
Previous studies reporting the relationship between anxiety and dementia have largely measured anxiety at one-time point (baseline), with inconclusive results.
If we leave anxiety unchecked
What the researchers have identified identifies that both chronic and new anxiety were associated with an increased risk of dementia. However, and importantly, where anxiety had resolved, there was no association with the risk of dementia.
This study found that both chronic and new anxiety at follow-up were associated with increased risk of all-cause dementia, and the association was stronger in participants exposed to anxiety below the age of 70 years.
Why this research matters
The findings suggest that anxiety may be a new risk factor to target in the prevention of dementia. This is a very important consideration given the focus is often directed at other more obvious factors. It also indicates that treating anxiety may reduce the risk of dementia.
You can reduce your risk of dementia by managing your anxiety levels
Research showed that where anxiety had been resolved, there was no association with dementia risk. These results suggest the possibility of anxiety as a modifiable risk factor for dementia, and the timely management of anxiety helps to reduce the risk of dementia.
This is the first study of its kind that assesses the effects of persistent anxiety (chronic vs. resolved vs. new anxiety) and the timing of exposure to anxiety on dementia risk. Each of us can apply the insights to our daily lives.
The scientific references for the research on anxiety and risk of dementia
Read more on how to manage your anxiety and reduce your dementia risk
Though experiencing occasional anxiety is a part of the human experience, intense, excessive, and persistent worry and fear are signs of an anxiety disorder and should not be ignored. Clearly, the above study shows the risk of dementia associated with anxiety.
Often, people who struggle with anxiety disorders will experience sudden, intense, and unmanageable feelings of fear or even terror.
Stress build-up, trauma, consistent stress, other mental health disorders, drugs, and alcohol can all trigger feelings of anxiety. The result is an inability to live a ‘normal’ life as the fight or flight response. ‘Normal’ experiences consistently trigger this, not just severe threats.
The Anxiety & Depression Association of America recommends these helpful insights to help you reduce anxiety.
Take a time-out
Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
Eat well-balanced meals
Do not skip any meals. Keep healthy, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
Limit alcohol and caffeine
Both can aggravate and increase your anxiety and trigger panic attacks.
Get enough sleep
When stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
Exercise daily
Keeping active will help you feel good and maintain your health.
Breathe! Take deep breaths
Inhale and exhale slowly. Count to 10 slowly. Repeat and count to 20 if necessary.
Do your best
Instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.
Accept that you cannot control everything
Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
Welcome humor
A good laugh goes a long way.
Maintain a positive attitude
Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Get involved
Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community. This creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
Learn what triggers your anxiety
Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, and look for a pattern.
Talk to someone
Tell friends and family you’re feeling overwhelmed, and let them know how they can help you.
If your anxiety persists then please seek professional help. Talk to a physician or therapist for professional help.
