04/30/2025
We’re often asked if stress can cause dementia, especially as there are often news reports that make the link.
It’s a complex subject, and some research has found a link between the two. But that evidence suggests that while chronic stress may play a role in the development or progression of dementia, it doesn’t necessarily cause it.
It’s very hard for researchers to investigate stress. We all experience stress in different ways, and our ability to cope varies widely. It’s also problematic to measure exactly how stressed someone is.
Other factors could also play a role. Anxiety, depression, and lack of sleep are all associated with stress, but also with dementia risk. These complications mean that it is challenging to do high-quality research into the role that stress has in dementia risk.
However, a few studies have attempted to untangle this mystery, so this we explain the research and what it means.