Considering the possibility of an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis can be beneficial: It may motivate you to adopt a healthier lifestyle, plan for future elder care, and build a robust support network.
However, persistent fear and anxiety over memory lapses can be detrimental. For individuals at higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, this fear can lead to obsessive thoughts. You might start to interpret every minor memory slip or cognitive glitch as a sign of dementia.
This type of anxiety is common and even has a specific name: “dementia worry.” Dementia worry can lead to depression and anxiety, further exacerbating attention and memory issues.
The Effects of Fear
Fear of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis can manifest in various ways. Beyond the fear of developing Alzheimer’s itself, there are concerns such as:
- Fear of stigma
- Fear of the impact on family
- Fear of needing a caregiver
- Fear of losing a sense of purpose
Fear and worry can cause significant stress and anxiety, impacting your overall quality of life. This anxiety can develop into other mood disorders, such as depression. In severe cases, dementia worry can lead to misdiagnosis and unnecessary medication.
Self-sabotage can also be a significant concern. Studies have shown that anxiety can increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, anxiety may cause you to delay screening for an early diagnosis, which could otherwise help slow the progression of the disease.
For those with a family history, the anxiety of potentially developing Alzheimer’s disease is “completely understandable,” says Nate Chin, MD, a geriatrician at UW Health and Medical Director of the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center in Madison, Wisconsin, in an interview with Healthline.
However, Chin, who hosts the podcast “Dementia Matters,” emphasizes the importance of understanding brain diseases and their diagnoses, as there is a lot of misunderstanding surrounding them. For example, Alzheimer’s disease is not the same as dementia.
For those hesitant to seek care, Chin recommends a broader perspective: “A diagnosis does not define them, change what they have accomplished in their lives, or fully explain their lived experience of symptoms.”
How to Cope
If you find yourself constantly worrying about a future Alzheimer’s diagnosis, it’s crucial to find coping strategies before it affects your health.
Get Screened
Diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease can be complex. Even with modern testing, there’s still “some uncertainty that a family history of Alzheimer’s disease is truly Alzheimer’s,” Chin notes.
He points out that this uncertainty can sometimes be reassuring. While family history is a risk factor, it is not a guarantee.
While fear may cause you to delay screening for an early diagnosis, undergoing screening is an important step to alleviate anxiety, regardless of the outcome. Research has suggested that early diagnosis and intervention can slow down the progression of the disease.
If you notice any warning signs of Alzheimer’s, schedule an appointment with your doctor.
Learn About the Warning Signs
The signs of Alzheimer’s disease can resemble typical age-related cognitive decline. However, individuals with Alzheimer’s exhibit specific ongoing behaviors that tend to worsen over time, including:
- Memory loss that affects daily life
- Difficulty with familiar tasks, such as using a toaster
- Trouble speaking or writing
- Becoming disoriented about times or places
These signs don’t necessarily mean a person has Alzheimer’s. Your doctor can determine whether further testing is needed.
If you do receive a diagnosis, Dr. Chin advises keeping in mind that some signs and symptoms are reversible.
After a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, you’ll be able to address reversible factors, which may include:
- Mood disorders
- Medication side effects
- Thyroid abnormalities
- Vitamin deficiencies
- Sleep issues
- Certain chronic health conditions
Get Accurate Information
Luke Stoeckel, PhD, a licensed clinical neuropsychologist at the National Institute of Health’s (NIH) National Institute on Aging, strongly advises that if you’re at risk of Alzheimer’s disease, you should “educate yourself about the disease, its progression, and available resources.”
He recommends speaking with your doctor or a neurologist for a comprehensive explanation of the condition. Additionally, explore resources such as the Alzheimer’s Disease Education and Referral (ADEAR) Center to learn about the latest research, treatments, and care options.
Having accurate and up-to-date information can help you make more informed decisions and set realistic expectations.
Work on the ‘Controllable’ Risk Factors
Although you cannot control family history, age, and genetics, having these risk factors does not make an Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis inevitable.There are several ways you can manage your overall risk:
Diet: Consume a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, nuts, whole grains, and olive oil. Following the MIND diet may help prevent dementia and loss of brain function as you age.
Exercise: Studies have shown that physical activity reduces the risk of dementia.Cognitive Enrichment: Engage in cognitive exercises to improve overall brain health as you age.
Stay Social: Continue participating in activities you enjoy. These can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and friendships are likely to benefit your overall health.
Reduce Stress: Try stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or exercise. Professional counseling or therapy can also help you cope with stress or anxiety.Quit Smoking: If you smoke, talk to a doctor who can help you create a cessation plan.