7. Chronic Stress – The Unseen Enemy
Next in line is chronic stress, often dubbed the ‘silent killer.’ While a certain level of stress is part and parcel of life and can even be beneficial, chronic stress can lead to numerous health issues, including an increased risk of dementia.
Chronic stress leads to prolonged activation of the body’s stress response, resulting in wear and tear on the body – a process termed ‘allostatic load.’ High allostatic load can cause structural and functional changes in the brain, impairing memory, and cognitive functions, thereby increasing the risk of dementia.
Chronic stress can also lead to other health issues like hypertension, heart disease, and diabetes, which are themselves risk factors for dementia. In addition, chronic stress often results in sleep disturbances and mental health issues like depression and anxiety, both associated with an increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia. (7)
