Could Anxiety in Older Adults Be a Hidden Risk Factor for Dementia? Complete Research Is Given…
A new study suggests that anxiety in older adults might triple the risk of developing dementia. Researchers found that among over 2,000 Australians aged 55 to 85, those with new anxiety were more likely to face dementia later. However, people whose anxiety had resolved were at the same risk level as those who never experienced anxiety.
Kay Khaing, the study’s lead author from the University of Newcastle, Australia, stated that anxiety before age 70 increased dementia risk.
Anxiety affects about 14% to 17% of people aged 65 and older, though this number is likely higher due to missed cases. The study showed that for those under 70, chronic anxiety raised the risk of dementia fourfold, while new anxiety increased the risk more than sevenfold.
Keep in mind, these findings suggest a link rather than prove that anxiety causes dementia, as the study was observational.
