Having higher levels of reported stress was linked to a greater risk of developing cognitive impairment, according to a new study published in the journal JAMA Network Open.
Research has shown that people with diabetes are at greater risk for cognitive decline and dementia (advanced cognitive impairment). Higher blood glucose levels are linked to cognitive decline over time — even at levels below what people with diabetes typically experience — and people with prediabetes are also at greater risk for cognitive decline. Cognitive impairment may also indicate a higher risk for other health problems in people with type 2 diabetes, including neuropathy and major cardiovascular events like a stroke or heart attack. Certain lifestyle measures may reduce the risk of cognitive impairment in people with diabetes, such as following a Mediterranean diet and getting enough physical activity.
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For the latest study, researchers looked at the relationship between self-reported stress levels and receiving a diagnosis of cognitive impairment in 24,448 Black and white adults ages 45 and older — with a median age of 64 — in the United States. Participants were recruited between 2003 and 2007, and completed follow-up cognitive screening each year after that for as long as possible, up until the researchers did their analysis between May 2021 and March 2022. Perceived stress was rated based on what’s known as the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale, and was evaluated at the beginning of the study and at one follow-up visit. During the follow-up period, cognitive impairment was defined as a shift from intact cognition to impaired cognition based on a test called the Six-Item Screener.
Overall, 5,589 participants (22.9%) reported elevated stress levels. The researchers found that after adjusting for various other factors — including social and demographic factors, cardiovascular risk factors, and depression — participants with elevated stress were 37% more likely to have poor cognition at any time during the study, and 39% more likely to develop cognitive impairment during the follow-up period. Age, race, and sex were found not to affect the relationship between reported stress and cognitive impairment.
It’s important to note that this study doesn’t show a direct cause-and-effect relationship between elevated stress and developing cognitive impairment. It’s possible that having a high level of stress could lead to more unhealthy behaviors, such as smoking or not taking prescribed medications, as noted in an article on the study at MedPage Today. And starting to have reduced cognition could be a source of stress for some people. Still, the researchers noted that it’s likely that in many people, stress and worry have a direct, harmful effect on cognition. This suggests that taking steps to reduce stress — such as being physically active, getting enough sleep, or undergoing counseling — might help some people avoid or delay cognitive impairment.
Want to learn more about managing stress? Read “Stress and Diabetes: Relaxation Techniques,” “Seven Easy Ways to Destress and Feel Better Fast,” and “Time to Focus on Emotional Health.”
