Dementia affects a significant proportion of the elderly population, and there’s no cure. Some researchers have been focusing on figuring out what causes dementia in hopes of being able to prevent the condition. Arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries), heavy alcohol use, obesity, smoking, uncontrolled high blood pressure, use of hormone replacement therapy, and elevated homocysteine and LDL cholesterol are all modifiable factors that increase the risk of developing dementia. However, the primary focus has been on the connection between chronic anxiety and dementia.
Depression and Anxiety
Some studies have linked the presence of depression to an elevated risk of dementia, particularly in men. However, it’s possible that rather than being a causative factor, depression in older men is a symptom of early-stage dementia. Depression and anxiety disorders often coexist, and therefore researchers decided to see if anxiety might be linked to a higher risk of dementia. In a study of identical and fraternal twins conducted in Sweden, individuals affected by severe anxiety were found to have a 48 percent higher likelihood of developing dementia.
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Severe Anxiety
The researchers emphasize that the level of anxiety linked to dementia isn’t a normal or healthy level of anxiety. These people had abnormally high levels of anxiety throughout life, a level that led one of the researchers to describe them as “frantic and frazzled.”
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Stress
The researchers speculated that prolonged exposure to stress hormones due to the high level of anxiety in these people was a contributing to the development of dementia as they get older. Chronic exposure to stress hormones is known to cause damage to the parts of the brain involved in memory and higher-level thinking, and the findings of this study suggest reducing anxiety and stress may lower the chances of developing dementia. Anti-anxiety medication, meditation, exercise, and yoga are a few ways to maintain a healthy brain throughout life.
Even with the best intentions, caring for a senior loved one with dementia can be challenging. Fortunately, Assisting Hands Home Care is here to provide support. Families can rely on our trusted dementia care Reston services, enjoying flexible and customizable care plans. Our caregivers stay up to date on the latest practices in senior care, ensuring your loved one receives the best possible support. Call us today to speak with a knowledgeable Care Manager.
