Anxiety linked to 3.2 times higher risk of dementia

WEB DESK: Research published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society found that chronic anxiety and new-onset anxiety are associated with a 2.8-fold and 3.2-fold increased risk of developing dementia, respectively.

To the authors’ knowledge, this research is the first to examine how varying severities of anxiety influence dementia risk over time and how the timing of anxiety affects this risk.

Currently, over 55 million people globally have dementia, and this number is projected to rise to 139 million by 2050.

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The researchers highlight that the risk is even greater for individuals who experienced anxiety before the age of 70.

The study involved 2,132 participants from the Hunter Community Study, based in Newcastle, and took place between December 2004 and December 2007. Participants, aged 60 to 81 or older, provided initial health data including information on tobacco and alcohol use, and any existing conditions such as hypertension or diabetes.

Over three assessments, conducted every five years, researchers measured anxiety levels. Chronic anxiety was defined as experiencing anxiety at both the first and second assessments, while new-onset anxiety was identified only at the second assessment. Dementia diagnoses were based on International Statistical Classification of Diseases codes or records of dementia-related medication.

The research found that 64 participants developed dementia. Both chronic and new-onset anxiety were linked to a nearly threefold increased risk of dementia, with an average diagnosis time of 10 years.