Risk of Parkinson Disease Heightened in People With Anxiety
By Lori Solomon HealthDay Reporter
MONDAY, July 22, 2024 -- The risk of developing Parkinson disease (PD) is at least doubled in people with anxiety compared with those without, according to a study published in the July issue of the British Journal of General Practice.
Juan Carlos Bazo-Alvarez, Ph.D., from University College London, and colleagues investigated the incidence of PD in people diagnosed with new anxiety (2008 to 2018; aged ≥50 years) as well as clinical features associated with later diagnosis of PD in people with anxiety.
The researchers found that the risk of PD increased twofold versus those without anxiety after adjusting for age, sex, social deprivation, lifestyle factors, severe mental illness, head trauma, and dementia (hazard ratio, 2.1). The presence of depression, hypotension, tremor, rigidity, balance impairment, constipation, sleep disturbance, fatigue, and cognitive impairment were associated with an increased risk of developing PD in those with anxiety.
"Anxiety is known to be a feature of the early stages of Parkinson's disease, but prior to our study, the prospective risk of Parkinson's in those over the age of 50 with new-onset anxiety was unknown," Avarez said in a statement. "By understanding that anxiety and the mentioned features are linked to a higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease over the age of 50, we hope that we may be able to detect the condition earlier and help patients get the treatment they need."
Disclaimer: Statistical data in medical articles provide general trends and do not pertain to individuals. Individual factors can vary greatly. Always seek personalized medical advice for individual healthcare decisions.
© 2025 HealthDay. All rights reserved.
Posted July 2024
Read this next
Adding Anxiety as Qualifier for Medical Cannabis Increases Number of Certifications
FRIDAY, July 11, 2025 -- Adding anxiety disorders as a qualifying condition for medical cannabis in Pennsylvania was associated with an increase in certifications, according to a...
Many Indicators of Anger Expression Decrease With Age in Women
THURSDAY, July 10, 2025 -- Aging is significantly related to anger in women, with most indicators of anger expression decreasing with age, according to a study published online...
Obstructive Sleep Apnea Tied to Poor Outcomes in U.S. Soldiers
WEDNESDAY, July 9, 2025 -- Sleep disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) contribute to mental health challenges, traumatic injuries, and increased health care utilization...
More news resources
- FDA Medwatch Drug Alerts
- Daily MedNews
- News for Health Professionals
- New Drug Approvals
- New Drug Applications
- Drug Shortages
- Clinical Trial Results
- Generic Drug Approvals
Subscribe to our newsletter
Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.