Baltimore Couples Therapy Archives | Therapy & Marriage Counseling

Anxiety Increases Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in People with Mild Cognitive Impairment

Anxiety can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease for those individuals with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), according to researchers at Baycrest Health Sciences’ Rotman Research Institute in Toronto. Scientists looked at a sample of 376 adults with MCI, ages 55-91, every six months over a three-year period. They used neuroimaging to analyze brain structural changes. They found that for MCI patients with mild, moderate, or severe anxiety, Alzheimer’s risk increased by 33 percent, 78 percent, and 135 percent respectively. Additionally, the researchers found that MCI patients who had reported anxiety over the follow-up period had more atrophy in the medial temporal lobe – the area responsible for creating memories and an area of the brain that is often associated with Alzheimer’s disease. (American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, online October 29th, 2014)

This is a fascinating study that links anxiety to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s. What the study does not specifically address is whether anxiety treatment for these individuals would reduce their risk for developing Alzheimer’s or perhaps slower its development. Perhaps this area will be addressed by future research.

Unsupportive Spouse Increases Risk for Depression

According to a University of Michigan study, having an unsupportive spouse can significantly increase the risk of depression. The study analyzed ten years of data from nearly 5000 adults. Researchers found that the quality of people’s relationships with a spouse, predicted the likelihood of depression, regardless of how often their social interactions took place. Individuals with strained relationships were significantly more likely to develop depression , whereas those without a spouse were at no increased risk at all. People with the lowest quality relationships- characterized by a lack of support and social strain- had more than twice the risk of depression than those with the best relationships. (PLOS ONE, April 30th)

I wonder if this is a big surprise to people? Relationships and connections with others are the “fuel” of our emotional well-being. We are born with innate need to connect and feel emotionally safe with others. When that is threatened by an unsupportive relationship then it almost has to create a sense of emptiness, which can lead to a depression. I would be curious to hear what others have to say on this matter. Please place your comments and thoughts in the space provided below.