Study links stress and dementia

Based on data from a study which followed women for 35 years, this is the first research in Sweden to indicate a link between stress and dementia.  Women were examined between 1968 and 2000 and a question about psychological stress was included in the 1968, 1974 and 1980 surveys. The study involving 1,415 women has been published in the journal Brain.

Alzheimer's Society comment

'Not only can stress be unpleasant but this study also suggests that it could have an impact on your health later in life. This large study is interesting and builds on recent evidence connecting depression and dementia.  We now need to understand why this link exists.  Anyone worried about their stress levels should try to manage their lifestyle carefully and speak to their GP if they are struggling. There also might be long-term benefits for tackling stress as a society.

More research into this important area is now needed, yet dementia research is desperately underfunded. Dementia research receives eight times less funding than cancer. Only with the right investment can dementia be defeated.'

Professor Clive Ballard
Director of Research
Alzheimer's Society