Stress and Anxiety | Alzheimer's Society

Can stress cause dementia?

Many people wonder whether stress is linked to a risk of dementia, and the news often reports a link between the two. Current research indicates that stress may play a role in the development or progression of dementia, but does not necessarily cause dementia.

Research

Real stories

Role reversal: Adapting to the impact of dementia

01 August 2018

Moderate to severe mid-life anxiety may be linked to later life dementia

Moderate to severe mid-life (30-65) anxiety may be linked to dementia in later life, suggests a study of the available published evidence, part-funded by Alzheimer’s Society, in the online journal BMJ Open.

Anxiety and dementia

It is common for people with dementia to have anxiety. It can make symptoms of dementia worse – particularly symptoms that affect a person’s attention, planning, organising and decision-making.

How confusion or distress may be caused when the appearance of a pill changes without warning

From the May 2015 issue of our magazine, a different looking dementia medication can cause confusion even though it has the right active ingredient. Fiona Madden speaks to a carer whose husband insists on a specific brand.

A struggle to make sure that a person with dementia in hospital is able to see

From the April 2015 issue of our magazine, hospital can be a confusing place, more so if a person with dementia cannot see. Fiona Madden hears how a daughter struggled to replace her father's broken glasses while in hospital.

Sharing feelings after a dementia diagnosis and being willing to ask for help

From the July 2015 issue of our magazine, people shouldn't feel that they have to face a dementia diagnosis alone. Luke Bishop talks to a woman who has decided to ask for help when she needs it.

Lorraine Brown found new ways to help other people after her dementia diagnosis

From the February/March 2016 issue of our magazine, read Lorraine's story of being diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Carers offer advice for a person with dementia experiencing 'sundowning'

From the April/May 2016 issue of our magazine, Talking Point members share tips on supporting a person with dementia who becomes anxious and wants to ‘go home’, often in the late afternoon – ‘sundowning’.

AAIC: Stressful life experiences age the brain by four years, studies show - Alzheimer’s Society comment

A series of studies confirm racial inequities in numbers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias - even after age 90.

Can stress cause dementia?

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