A new factor in the development of dementia has been identified

It turns out that chronic stress affects brain function.

Using Region Stockholm's healthcare database, researchers at Karolinska Institutet looked at data from 44,447 patients between the ages of 18 and 65. They were added to the system in 2012-2013, and all were diagnosed with chronic stress and/or chronic depression. 

Chronic stress is defined as any stress in which symptoms persist for six months or longer.

After eight years of monitoring, patients with chronic stress were twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease or other cognitive impairment. If chronic stress was linked to depression, the risk was four times greater.

The scientists' findings emphasize the importance of identifying and treating chronic stress, and views it as a serious health factor rather than just an unavoidable aspect of daily life.

The study is published in Alzheimer's Research & Therapy.