The study analysed anxiety levels in almost 2,000 people, whose average age was 76 years. Those taking part in the experiment were monitored for approximately 10 years. It turned out that those with chronic anxiety had almost three times the risk of dementia, while those with new anxiety had more than three times the risk.

Study co-author Kay Khaing explains what chronic and new anxiety are:

- Chronic anxiety is anxiety that persists over a long period of time, in our study this means anxiety that lasts at least five years. New anxiety is one that occurs for the first time, in our study this means that the participants did not have anxiety at the first visit but it appeared at the second visit, five years later.

Anxiety and senile dementia, photo: panthermedia

This finding confirms the important link between mental and physical health. This is why it is worthwhile to manage one's health holistically, as this makes it possible to detect illnesses earlier and thus eliminate many of the dangerous consequences. This is also mentioned by the psychologist for the elderly, Shannel Kassis Elhelou:

- 'The link between chronic anxiety and increased risk of dementia highlights the crucial need for comprehensive mental health management in older patients. Early detection and intervention of anxiety is extremely important to reduce the long-term risk of developing dementia.

Can senile dementia be prevented, photo: panthermedia

Researchers suggest that managing anxiety may be a way to reduce the risk of dementia. Kay Khaing appealed:

- This is an important finding. Anxiety can be treated and it can be overcome. Effective anxiety management can reduce the risk of dementia in later life. Our findings should encourage clinicians to raise awareness of anxiety among older patients and to focus on its treatment.

Future research will focus on understanding the mechanisms through which anxiety contributes to dementia risk.