The link between anxiety symptoms and a faster progression to Alzheimer's disease presents an opportunity for improving the screening and management of patients with early mild cognitive impairment, the researchers said.
"We need to better understand the association between anxiety disorders and cognitive decline," Dr. Spampinato said. "We don't know yet if the anxiety is a symptom--in other words, their memory is getting worse and they become anxious--or if anxiety contributes to cognitive decline. If we were able in the future to find that anxiety is actually causing progression, then we should more aggressively screen for anxiety disorders in the elderly."
"The geriatric population is routinely screened for depression in many hospitals, but perhaps this vulnerable population should also be assessed for anxiety disorders," Ulber added. "Middle-aged and elderly individuals with high level of anxiety may benefit from intervention, whether it be pharmacological or cognitive behavioral therapy, with the goal of slowing cognitive decline."
The study was based on MRI scans done at one point in time. For future research, the team would like to study MRIs obtained after the initial scan to better understand the connection between anxiety and brain structure.
"We're now interested in looking at changes over time to see if anxiety has an effect one way or the other on how fast the brain damage progresses," Dr. Spampinato said. "We will also take a closer look at gender differences in the association between anxiety and cognitive decline."
About RSNA
RSNA is an association of radiologists, radiation oncologists, medical physicists and related scientists promoting excellence in patient care and health care delivery through education, research and technologic innovation. The Society is based in Oak Brook, Illinois.
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