NEWCASTLE: A new study observed that anxiety in older adults could significantly increase the risk of developing dementia. The research, which analyzed data from over 2,000 Australians aged between 55 and 85, found that anxiety may triple the risk of dementia from any cause.
The study, led by Kay Khaing, a conjoint lecturer and researcher at the School of Medicine and Public Health at the University of Newcastle, highlighted a concerning association between anxiety and dementia.
Khaing and her team found that individuals who experienced new anxiety were notably more likely to develop dementia later in life. Specifically, those who developed anxiety for the first time were more than seven times more likely to face dementia compared to their peers.
The research observed that chronic anxiety, or persistent anxiety that did not resolve over time, was even more concerning. Participants aged 70 and younger with chronic anxiety were found to be four times more likely to develop dementia.
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In contrast, individuals whose anxiety had resolved—meaning they had anxiety at one point but no longer experienced it—did not show an elevated risk, aligning with the risk levels of those who never reported anxiety.
The study adds to existing knowledge on anxiety and dementia risk but emphasizes that these findings only indicate an association rather than a causal relationship. As an observational study, it cannot confirm that anxiety directly increases the risk of dementia.
Current estimates suggest that between 14% and 17% of people aged 65 and older have an anxiety diagnosis. However, many cases are likely undiagnosed, suggesting that the actual prevalence might be higher.
