Study links stress to 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

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Ref:  Midlife psychological stress and risk of dementia: a 35-year longitudinal population stud. Lena Johansson1, Xinxin Guo1, Margda Waern1, Svante Östling1, Deborah Gustafson1,2, Calle Bengtsson3 and Ingmar Skoog1   http://brain.oxfordjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/133/8/2217

Notes to editors:

• One in three people over 65 will die with dementia.
• Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just 15 years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051.
• Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them.
• Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.
• Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
  
• Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk