- Chronic and new anxiety are linked to a higher risk of developing dementia, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
- The study included 2,132 individuals aged around 76 years who were followed for 10 years, showing that chronic anxiety increased dementia risk by 2.8 times and new onset anxiety increased it by 3.2 times.
- Individuals with anxiety before the age of 70 had even higher risks of dementia.
- However, for those whose anxiety resolved, there was no increased risk of dementia compared to those without anxiety.
- The study suggests that treating anxiety could potentially reduce the risk of developing dementia, presenting anxiety as a new target for dementia prevention.
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Neurology, Psychiatry & Mental Health, Public Health & Prevention
