Is Anxiety a Risk Factor for Dementia Later in Life?

A meta-analysis published in BMJ Open examining a possible connection between anxiety and dementia onset found increased association between significant midlife anxiety and a higher risk of dementia over at least 10 years, reports U.S. News & World Report . Although the implication is that midlife anxiety may be an independent risk factor for late-onset dementia, as opposed to anxiety that might represent initial dementia symptoms, this is only a correlative link, lacking concrete proof. The study authors note anxiety induces an excessive stress response, which could have a detrimental effect on brain health and lead to accelerated cognitive decline, according to Simon Rego at Montefiore Medical Center/Albert Einstein College of Medicine. In addition, the University of Texas-Austin's Charles B. Nemeroff says depression has long been known to nearly double the risk of dementia. He says linking anxiety "is relatively novel," as well as "important because, if we can identify people at risk for dementia, we can intercede earlier. Any predictive biomarker or clinical sign or symptom to predict risk is good news." The study authors concur that "nonpharmacological therapies, including talking therapies, mindfulness-based interventions, and meditation practices, that are known to reduce anxiety in midlife, could have a risk-reducing effect, although this is yet to be thoroughly researched."