ISLAMABAD, June 28 (Online): Researchers say developing anxiety after age 50 might increase the risk of developing Parkinson\u2019s disease.
\nThe scientists say that depression, sleep issues, and hypotension were risk factors for Parkinson\u2019s.
\nIssues with movement are commonly associated with Parkinson\u2019s, but non-movement issues, such as depression, anxiety, and loss of smell, are also symptoms.
\nPeople who develop anxiety after age 50 might have an increased risk of developing Parkinson\u2019s disease, according to a study published in the British Journal of General Practice.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The scientists obtained health information from primary care data in the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n
The researchers evaluated the data for Parkinson\u2019s features, such as sleep problems, depression, tremors, and balance impairment, from the time of the anxiety diagnosis until one year before the Parkinson\u2019s diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Details from the study on Parkinson\u2019s and anxiety
\nThe researchers reported that people who were diagnosed with anxiety after the age of 50 were twice as likely to develop Parkinson\u2019s as those without anxiety.<\/p>\n
The scientists noted that the risk factors for Parkinson\u2019s included:<\/p>\n
Depression
\nSleep disturbance
\nFatigue
\nCognitive impairment
\nHypotension
\nTremor
\nRigidity
\nBalance impairment
\nConstipation
\nThe results were adjusted for age, gender, social deprivation, lifestyle factors, severe mental illness, head trauma, and dementia.<\/p>\n
These conditions can affect the likelihood of developing Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n
The link between Parkinson\u2019s and anxiety
\n\u201cThe study provides compelling evidence linking anxiety to an increased risk of developing Parkinson\u2019s disease (PD) in individuals over 50,\u201d said Dr. Daniel Truong, a neurologist and medical director of the Truong Neuroscience Institute at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in California and editor-in-chief of the Journal of Clinical Parkinsonism and Related Disorders.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe findings suggest that [new onset] anxiety may be a prodromal symptom of PD, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention,\u201d Truong, who was not involved in the research, told Medical News Today.<\/p>\n
Experts say primary doctors can play a role in early diagnosis of PD by paying attention to people over 50 who are developing anxiety-related conditions.<\/p>\n
\u201cMost often, people are reporting to their primary doctors or psychiatrists for treatment and management of anxiety,\u201d said Dr. Shae Datta, the co-director of the Concussion Center, NYU Langone, and the Division Director of the Concussion Center, Long Island, in New York.<\/p>\n
\u201cPerhaps they can be closely watched and referred earlier to a neurologist for diagnosis of Parkinson\u2019s. Concurrently, screening & treating anxiety in these presenting patients could help their quality of life and mood,\u201d Datta, who was not involved in the research, told Medical News Today.<\/p>\n
An opposing view on anxiety and Parkinson\u2019s disease
\nNot everyone agrees that anxiety can be utilized as a factor in Parkinson\u2019s disease.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would never use anxiety (or depression or sleep disorders) as a diagnostic criterion for Parkinson\u2019s,\u201d said Dr. Clifford Segil, a neurologist at Providence Saint John\u2019s Health Center in California. \u201cParkinson\u2019s is not a mood disorder and has an entirely different biological reason than anxiety or depression.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cSome people may become anxious because of a fear of the diagnosis,\u201d Segil, who was not involved in the research, told Medical News Today. \u201cMany people worry about how the diagnosis will affect their lives \u2013 so it can cause anxiety at times. Many people worry because they think Parkinson\u2019s is a death sentence \u2013 but it is not. Anxiety, at times, might be a by-product of the diagnosis but is not a precursor.\u201d<\/p>\n
Putting this information into practice
\n\u201cUsing the information that anxiety can be an early indicator of Parkinson\u2019s disease (PD) can greatly enhance patient care through early detection, proactive monitoring, and comprehensive management,\u201d Truong said.<\/p>\n
Regular screening for anxiety in patients over 50, especially those with new-onset anxiety, can help identify individuals at higher risk for Parkinson\u2019s?. Implementing questionnaires and assessments for anxiety during routine check-ups for older adults can ensure early recognition of anxiety or other potential prodromal Parkinson\u2019s symptoms.<\/p>\n
Patients identified with anxiety should be monitored for other prodromal symptoms of Parkinson\u2019s, such as sleep disturbances, constipation, depression, and cognitive impairment?.<\/p>\n
This comprehensive monitoring approach can facilitate earlier diagnosis of Parkinson\u2019s disease before significant motor symptoms appear, allowing for earlier intervention and management.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s. Early consultation with specialists can lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans.<\/p>\n
Educate patients and their families about the potential link between anxiety and Parkinson\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Personalized Treatment Plans:<\/p>\n
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?.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn integrated care team involving primary care physicians, neurologists, psychiatrists, and psychologists can provide comprehensive support to the patient,\u201d Truong noted. \u201cSchedule 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The researchers suggested that future studies should look at why people over 50 with new-onset anxiety are more at risk of developing Parkinson\u2019s as well as if the severity of anxiety affects the risk.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
ISLAMABAD, June 28 (Online): Researchers say developing anxiety after age 50 might increase the risk of developing Parkinson\u2019s disease. The scientists say that depression, sleep issues, and hypotension were risk factors for Parkinson\u2019s. Issues with movement are commonly associated with Parkinson\u2019s, but non-movement issues, such […]<\/p>\n
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