The apprehension surrounding the potential development of Alzheimer’s or dementia is a common concern, particularly among women who may live with the fear of facing these neurological disorders as they age. A familial history of such conditions can intensify these worries, as illustrated by personal stories like that of a writer whose maternal grandfather was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), known in the past as “hardening of the arteries.”
Statistics reveal that more women than men are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, a trend attributed, in part, to the longer average lifespan of women. Research indicates that dementia incidence rates, especially Alzheimer’s, are notably higher in women, with divergence becoming more pronounced after the age of 85.
For those who live alone, are unmarried, or without children, the fear of potential isolation in a nursing home further compounds these anxieties about aging. The prospect of facing these challenges alone can become a source of considerable distress.
However, recent research has shed light on an additional concern: the intricate link between mental health and neurological disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Emerging evidence suggests that individuals with a history of mental illness may be at an increased risk of developing various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s.
One study highlighted that individuals diagnosed with a mental disorder exhibited a higher likelihood of developing dementia compared to those without such diagnoses. The risk extended across various mental disorders, including psychotic, substance use, mood, neurotic, and other mental disorders. Even engagement in self-harm was associated with a higher probability of subsequent dementia.
These findings carry personal significance for some, such as the writer of this piece, who discloses a history of major depressive disorder with psychotic features, self-harm, and struggles with addiction to cocaine and Klonopin. The concern is palpable as the research implies a potential path to dementia for those with such mental health histories.
Another study delved into the age at onset of psychiatric illness, revealing that while psychiatric disorders overall are linked to an increased risk of subsequent dementia, severe and late-onset depression exhibited stronger associations with dementia compared to earlier-onset and mild-to-moderate depression.
This exploration of the interconnection between mental health and dementia risk underscores the need for continued research, awareness, and support systems to address the multifaceted challenges individuals may face as they age.
