Is stress tied to dementia symptoms? Research shows a clear connection between ongoing stress, like chronic anxiety, and a higher chance of dementia symptoms appearing later in life.
People feel stress every day, but when it lasts a long time, it can harm the brain. A study from 2024 looked at adults with chronic anxiety, a form of long-term stress. It found their risk of dementia could rise by up to three times compared to those without it. This means worry that sticks around might speed up brain changes linked to memory loss and confusion.
Stress affects the body in ways that touch the brain. It triggers hormones that, over time, cause swelling and damage to brain cells. This swelling, called neuroinflammation, and other issues like oxidative stress wear down the brain’s defenses. In people with conditions like adult ADHD, which often come with high stress levels, studies see more cases of dementia types such as Lewy body disease. These folks face extra risks from poor sleep, bad habits, and heart problems, all fueled by constant stress.
The brain has a system to handle stress through the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis. When stress goes on too long, this system gets out of balance. It leads to faster aging in the brain and weaker protection against dementia. For example, stress from daily struggles or mental health issues builds up, making it harder for the brain to stay sharp.
Experts point out that stress does not cause dementia on its own. It teams up with things like genes, age, and lifestyle. But cutting stress early might lower the odds. Simple steps like exercise, good sleep, and relaxation techniques help many people manage it.
Sources
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12747841/
https://bcbsm.mibluedaily.com/stories/health-and-wellness/does-chronic-anxiety-increase-dementia-risk
