Worry, Anxiety, and Your Brain, 4

Conclusions from research point toward major consequences from habits of worry and anxiety. Recent studies by researchers at Baycrest Health Sciences’ Rotman Research Institute have shown that symptoms of anxiety in people diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) increase the risk of a speedier decline in cognitive functions, independent of depression, which is another risk marker. For MCI patients with mild, moderate or severe anxiety, Alzheimer's risk increased by 33%, 78% and 135% respectively. MCI patients who had reported anxiety symptoms at any time over the follow-up period had greater rates of atrophy in the medial temporal lobe regions of the brain, which are essential for creating memories and which are implicated in Alzheimer’s. More tomorrow.

1.   The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 2014; DOI:10.1016/j.jagp.2014.10.005