Extreme distress increases risk of dementia

London: A new study suggests that men and women in distress in their forties may be at higher risk of developing dementia in old age. The study showed that life depletion, which can be perceived as an indicator of psychological distress, is a risk factor for future risk of dementia. Psychological distress is potentially related to the risk of dementia by neurological and cardiovascular mechanisms.

The findings, conducted by researchers at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, revealed that for each additional symptom of vital depletion, the risk of dementia increased by 2%. While participants reporting five to nine symptoms had a 25% higher risk of dementia than those with no symptoms, those with a symptom of 10 to 17 symptoms had a 40% higher risk of dementia compared with the absence of symptoms.

Importantly, the response to physiological stress, including cardiovascular changes and excessive production of cortisol over a prolonged period, may also contribute to linking psychological distress to an increased risk of dementia, the study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. "Stress can have serious and harmful consequences not only on the health of our brains, but also on our health in general.

Cardiovascular risk factors are well-known modifiable risk factors for dementia. In some countries, there has been stagnation or even a decrease in the incidence of dementia, "said Sabrina Islamoska, postdoctoral student.

For the study, the team included 6,807 Danish people aged 60 on average. Psychological distress is a significant risk factor that should be the subject of greater attention when considering prevention initiatives related to subsequent dementia, said the agency. ;team.