Fact 9: Beyond Worries: Unveiling Anxiety’s Multifaceted Effects on Dementia
In individuals with dementia, anxiety can manifest in various ways. While worry is a common aspect of anxiety, individuals with dementia and coexisting anxiety can also experience restlessness, agitation, and irritability.
These diverse manifestations of anxiety can complicate its recognition and management. In many cases, the anxiety symptoms can be mistakenly attributed to the dementia itself or to other health issues, delaying the initiation of appropriate anxiety treatments.
Despite these challenges, recognizing these diverse anxiety symptoms is crucial for managing dementia and coexisting anxiety. By recognizing anxiety’s diverse manifestations, health care providers can initiate appropriate interventions sooner, enhancing individuals’ well-being and quality of life.
Interestingly, some research suggests that certain anxiety symptoms could be early indicators of dementia. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, it underscores the importance of closely monitoring anxiety symptoms in individuals with dementia. (9)
