Dementia, of which the most common symptom is memory loss, affects around 6 million+ Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
Many factors can contribute to dementia symptoms (including memory impairments), such as genetics, brain changes, and lifestyle choices. Other conditions, including mental health concerns, also play a role.
So, can anxiety cause memory loss, then? How can anxiety even play a role in cognitive decline? And what can older adults do to protect their senior mental health and brain functions?
To that end, the kind and caring team at Discovery Commons Hobe Sound, our senior living community in the quiet, peaceful, and charming coastal town of Hobe Sound, FL, just 25 miles north of West Palm Beach, put together this insightful guide. Read on to discover how anxiety and memory loss go together and tips for seniors to reduce their risk of developing either.
Yes, anxiety can cause or contribute to memory loss. There are several ways it can do so, including:
Let's examine these factors in more detail below.
Anxiety is a natural, human, and biological response to perceived danger or stress. It's a feeling of:
Feeling anxious triggers the body's stress response system. When this happens, stress hormone levels, particularly adrenaline and cortisol, increase.
Stress isn't always bad; on the contrary, it can be beneficial in some situations, such as helping foster better decision-making.
For instance, suppose you feel anxious about aging and stress becoming a regular part of your daily life. You worry about your health and safety, especially since you live alone.
The anxiety and stress you experience may then help you realize that it's time to transition to assisted living in Hobe Sound, FL. It's a wise decision, as you can be safer in such a community, given that you'll have 24/7 access to a team of professionals ready to help with your needs anytime.
However, unmanaged stress and chronic anxiety can be detrimental and affect brain processes, including those associated with memory. For example, a study published in the National Library of Medicine says long-term stress can change brain structures. Such changes can then impair memory and learning while also increasing anxiety.
Stress, especially from persistent anxiety, can also cause memory loss by affecting previously formed and stored memories. According to SciTechDaily.com, it could "rewrite" memories the brain has already written, leading to what experts refer to as "stress-induced aversive memory generalization."
Extreme stress that results from anxiety or other cognitive problems (e.g., forgetfulness) may also lead to adverse memory effects. Even more so if not managed correctly.
For example, an article in ScienceDirect explains how stress may impair memory retrieval. Memory retrieval refers to how the brain accesses and recalls previously written and stored information.
Although anxiety may not directly cause dementia and its many symptoms of cognitive decline, it can make people more susceptible.
Indeed, according to CNN, a new study found that anxiety can triple a person's risk of developing dementia in later life. However, the researchers also found good news. Anxiety resolved within the first five years became so unassociated with higher risk that the odds of developing dementia were similar to those of individuals without anxiety.
Although anxiety can cause or contribute to memory loss and other brain-related issues, there are several ways older adults in Hobe Sound, FL, can safeguard their cognitive, mental, and emotional health and well-being. The best part is that many of these also promote better physical wellness.
Any healthy activity that makes seniors happy can help them build better resilience against:
Pursuing hobbies and interests, like creative outlets, music, and arts and crafts, is a perfect example. Practicing mindfulness, such as meditation and deep breathing, can also help. Engaging in gentle senior-friendly exercises, such as yoga, tai chi, and walking, is another way to bust stress, avert anxiety, and stay fit and healthy.
Spending time in the beautiful outdoors of Hobe Sound, such as exploring Peck Lake Park or Blowing Rocks Preserve, enjoying the beaches, or observing the diverse wildlife at Hobe Sound National Wildlife Refuge, can also promote cognitive, emotional, and mental wellness among older adults. Science backs this up. As reported by News-Medical.net, researchers say there's a connection between easy access to green and blue spaces and better physical and mental health in seniors.
Making new connections and strengthening existing bonds, particularly with loved ones and friends, are key to maintaining optimal cognitive, emotional, and mental health. With a robust, supportive social network, seniors can:
Discovery Commons Hobe Sound, our assisted living and memory care enclaves in Hobe Sound, FL, encourages residents to connect with others as much as possible by giving them many socialization opportunities.
For one, we have a robust calendar of daily events and activities, many of which are for socialization and group fun. From rousing games to educational classes and live entertainment, we offer all these (and many more!) to all the residents of our warm and homely senior living community.
Can anxiety cause memory loss? Now you know it can. It may even contribute to increased dementia risk.
All that should be enough reason for seniors to do what they can to cope with anxiety and minimize stress.
At Discovery Commons Hobe Sound, our kind and compassionate team strives to help our residents live a happy, enriching, and satisfying life with less stress and fewer anxieties. From our supportive team available round-the-clock to our highly tailored personal care services and many exclusive senior programs and amenities, all these (and much more!) await you in our assisted living and memory care community in Hobe Sound, FL.
Call us today to schedule a tour and learn more about our community!