The American Psychiatric Association found that over the past two years, the percentage of adults who feel anxious has risen from 32% in 2022 to 47% in 2024.

And, according to a new study, those increased rates of anxiety could mean increased rates of dementia. The study, published in the Journal of American Geriatric Society, found that anxiety can increase adults’ risk for developing dementia—by up to 3 times. 

But the study also found some good news: anxiety is a manageable risk.

“The study confirms what we’ve long known: anxiety disrupts our well-being,” says Julie Manuel, clinical program manager at Kettering Health Behavioral Medical Center. “As we learn more about mental health disorders and their connection to our overall health, it becomes even more important to learn healthy coping strategies.” 

What to know about the study

The study, conducted in Australia, followed 2,132 people ages 60 to 81 for 10 years. The average participant age was 76. Researchers asked participants about their emotional health using a 10-question evaluation (called the Kessler Psychological Distress scale). Participants were interviewed twice, five years apart.

Those who responded as anxious during both interviews were considered to have chronic anxiety. Those who responded as anxious after only the second interview were considered to have new onset anxiety. 

For those with chronic anxiety, the study showed that they were 2.8 times more likely to develop dementia in 10 years. Those with new onset anxiety, 3.2 times more likely. The risks were even higher for those whose anxiety started before they were 70. 

But those who reported as anxious after the first but not the second interview (considered having resolved anxiety) showed no increased risk for dementia. 

In other words, “the study suggests that by managing anxiety,” Julie says, “we can manage its risks on our future health.” 

Similarly, the researchers conclude that “These results suggest that timely management of anxiety may be a viable strategy in reducing the risk of dementia.”

How anxiety affects our health

“Some anxiety is normal,” Julie says. “A fight with your best friend, stress over an upcoming project at work—these usually resolve or are fixable. But chronic anxiety is exhausting, emotionally and physically.” It puts a lot of wear and tear on the body. 

Chronic anxiety leads to health issues, such as

• Cardiovascular disease, such as congestive heart failure, stroke, and cardiac arrest.
  
• Weight gain and slower metabolism 

• Brain cell damage, including loss of neurons and neuron connections (called cerebral atrophy)

All of these increase one’s risk for dementia. 

Much of this wear and tear has to do with the effect of stress hormones. 

Anxiety engages our “fight, flight, or freeze” reflex, which sends hormones like adrenaline and cortisol through our body. The process is dramatic; it’s our body’s version of slamming on the brakes or gas pedal to avoid danger.

And these hormones are potent—increasing our heart rate, redirecting blood flow, and focusing our attention. But it’s a temporary reaction. Or, at least, it’s supposed to be. Our bodies can’t thrive under a constant wash of stress hormones. 

Along with inflammation, a regularly elevated heart rate and cortisol levels can lead to cognitive decline. 

“When we can’t control our worry, our fear, and feeling overwhelmed, it really impacts our brains,” Julie says. “If not controlled or managed, anxiety could accelerate how they deteriorate, leading to symptoms of dementia.” 

In 2020, more than 55 million people lived with dementia. By 2050, experts anticipate that number will more than double. For adults, then, learning to manage anxiety and its effects, like high blood pressure, can help reduce the risk of dementia. 

Managing your anxiety

Of course, there’s some irony in reading an article about anxiety and dementia. You may not feel any less anxious right now. But the point that both the study and Julie emphasize is you can do something about the impact anxiety has on your future health and well-being. 

Unlike everyday stress, Julie clarifies that “anxiety often does not have an easily identified trigger.” So instead of hunting for triggers, she recommends watching for symptoms, such as 

• Feeling irritable 
• Periods of dread 
• Having trouble sleeping
• A lingering sense of nervousness 
• Regularly catastrophizing and assuming “worst-case scenarios” 

To manage your anxiety, start with lifestyle habits. Many of which take only a few minutes a day, such as

• Staying physically active
• Journaling to put words to your feelings
• Talking to friends or family
• Keeping an eye on your nutrition

She also points to learning ways to relax and ground yourself, like walking, deep breathing, and mindfulness activities. These are proven to help calm the brain and lower your heart rate. 

Anxiety can also be managed through therapy and, if necessary, with medication. “Medications can help,” Julie says, “but therapies such as CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) or exposure therapy can be helpful with a trained clinician.”

When should you reach out to a therapist? Julie says when your symptoms interfere with your life.

Do your future brain a favor

Dementia can’t always be prevented. Having it in your family history does increase your risks. But you can do things to stay ahead of it. Namely, recognizing the signs of dementia and talking with a physician as soon as possible. 

And if you’re an adult dealing with anxiety, don’t hide or downplay it. Anxiety isn’t rare. It’s estimated that more than 300 million people experience it. But not taking it seriously can impact your future health. 

The good news is, though, you can do something about it today to help your future self tomorrow.