(Dementia) Anxiety in old age can lead to dementia.

Anxiety is a common emotion, but extreme anxiety in older adults can increase the risk of dementia, so caution is advised. Learn about the symptoms and coping strategies for anxiety disorders in older adults.

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◇Symptoms such as palpitations and dizziness are common.

 

Anxiety disorders are divided into generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder depending on the symptoms. Among these, the most common symptom in the elderly is generalized anxiety disorder. Common symptoms of elderly patients with generalized anxiety disorder include feeling that even slightly cold hands and feet are a sign of a serious illness, I saw a few hairs fall out and thought I was balding. This is a case where it's assumed that the disease has begun. Physical symptoms such as heart palpitations, dizziness, chest pain, and increased blood pressure are also much more severe than in other age groups.

 

◇If left untreated, the risk of stroke increases.

 

If elderly anxiety disorder is left untreated, it can lead to stroke. The risk increases. Repeated physical symptoms caused by stress hormones can lead to elevated blood pressure and constricted peripheral blood vessels. This is because older adults, with their aging vascular and nervous systems, are more sensitive to these changes. A study from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine found that people with anxiety disorders have a 33% higher risk of stroke than those without.

 

 

Dementia risk up to 7.2 times higher

 

People who frequently experience anxiety, such as those with geriatric anxiety disorder, are also at higher risk for dementia. A research team from the University of Newcastle in Australia examined the link between anxiety symptoms and the development of dementia in 2,123 elderly people with an average age of 76. The results showed that those with chronic anxiety had a 2.8 times higher risk of developing dementia than those without.

 

The increased risk was highest in those under 70 years of age. Participants aged 60 to 70 with chronic anxiety were 4.6 times more likely to develop dementia, while the risk increased significantly to 7.2 times in the same age group with new-onset anxiety. People who experience anxiety are at higher risk for unhealthy lifestyle habits such as unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity, and smoking. This ultimately increases the risk of dementia, the research team explained.

 

 

◇Relieve stress through hobbies

 

Generalized anxiety disorder can be treated with medication. Antidepressants are used, and anti-anxiety medications may also be used for short periods as needed. If you are already taking medication for conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease, it's important to choose medications that don't diminish the effectiveness of your existing medications. Various psychotherapies, cognitive behavioral therapy, and relaxation techniques can also be used in conjunction with medication.

Generalized anxiety disorder is difficult to prevent. However, you can manage stress through meditation, relaxation, exercise, and hobbies. It is also helpful to reduce caffeine intake, such as coffee and energy drinks, and to refrain from smoking or drinking alcohol.

 

 

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Isn't anxiety fear?

Dementia is really more of a disease than any other disease.

It's a disease you don't want to get.

 

Just because you don't want to get caught doesn't mean you won't get caught.

Positive thinking, I keep feeling anxious,

Just thinking about it makes me feel worse.