Parkinson's disease: Anxiety may increase risk for people over age 50

Evan Walker
Evan Walker TheMediTary.Com |
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Researchers say people over age 50 with anxiety have a higher risk of Parkinson’s disease.Westend61/Getty Images
  • Researchers say developing anxiety after age 50 might increase the risk of developing Parkinson’s disease.
  • The scientists say that depression, sleep issues, and hypotension were risk factors for Parkinson’s.
  • Issues with movement are commonly associated with Parkinson’s, but non-movement issues, such as depression, anxiety, and loss of smell, are also symptoms.

People who develop anxiety after age 50 might have an increased risk of developing Parkinson’s disease, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice.

In their study, researchers examined health data for 109,435 people who developed anxiety after the age of 50. They compared the information to a control group 878,526 people without anxiety.

The scientists obtained Health information from primary care data in the United Kingdom.

The researchers evaluated the data for Parkinson’s features, such as sleep problems, depression, tremors, and balance impairment, from the time of the anxiety diagnosis until one year before the Parkinson’s diagnosis.

“Using the information that anxiety can be an early indicator of Parkinson’s disease (PD) can greatly enhance patient care through early detection, proactive monitoring, and comprehensive management,” Truong said.

He listed how this information can be utilized to help patients:

Early Detection and Diagnosis:

Regular screening for anxiety in patients over 50, especially those with new-onset anxiety, can help identify individuals at higher risk for Parkinson’s​. Implementing questionnaires and assessments for anxiety during routine check-ups for older adults can ensure early recognition of anxiety or other potential prodromal Parkinson’s symptoms.

Monitoring for Other Prodromal Symptoms:

Patients identified with anxiety should be monitored for other prodromal symptoms of Parkinson’s, such as sleep disturbances, constipation, depression, and cognitive impairment​.

This comprehensive monitoring approach can facilitate earlier diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease before significant motor symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention and management.

Proactive Management Strategies:

Refer patients with persistent or severe anxiety to a neurologist for a thorough evaluation, including neuroimaging and other diagnostic tests to detect early signs of Parkinson’s. Early consultation with specialists can lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.

Patient Education and Counseling:

Educate patients and their families about the potential link between anxiety and Parkinson’s to raise awareness and encourage early medical consultation for new or worsening symptoms​. Counseling can help patients manage anxiety and stress, which may mitigate some neurodegenerative processes.

Personalized Treatment Plans:

Develop personalized treatment plans that address both the psychological and neurological aspects of care. This can include a combination of pharmacological treatments, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and lifestyle modifications to manage anxiety and other prodromal symptoms​.

“An integrated care team involving primary care physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists can provide comprehensive support to the patient,” Truong noted. “Schedule regular follow-ups to monitor the progression of symptoms and adjust treatment plans as necessary. This ongoing care can help manage symptoms more effectively and improve the quality of life for patients​. Use follow-up visits to reassess both motor and non-motor symptoms, ensuring any new developments are promptly addressed.”

The researchers suggested that future studies should look at why people over 50 with new-onset anxiety are more at risk of developing Parkinson’s as well as if the severity of anxiety affects the risk.

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