Learning to manage stress in adulthood is all the more important as it increases dementia risk at the end of life. According to a study conducted by researchers from the University of Gothenburg, Karolinska Institutet (Sweden) and Utah State University and published by the medical journal BMJ Openan episode of serious or repeated stress such as a divorce, widowhood, serious problems concerning the children, a mental illness in the spouse or even the loss of a job, can have serious psychological consequences in the long term.
The scientists analyzed data from 800 Swedish women aged between 38 and 54 who, every ten years for a period of 37 years, underwent psychiatric examinations and were asked about their feelings of stress, anxiety and distress. During the study, 153 participants (19.1%) developed dementia (Alzheimer’s or vascular dementia). The researchers conclude that the number of stress episodes is associated with an increase risk of Alzheimer’s diseasebut no vascular dementia.
“Our study shows that stressors can have serious long-term physiological and psychological consequences. However, further studies are needed to confirm these findings and determine whether other interventions such as stress management therapies should be advised to people who have undergone stressful psychosocial experiences”, they specify.
