Stressful Life Events Might Be Linked to Alzheimer's and Dementia

Research presented at a conference in London is looking at how stress and dementia are related. Just one stressful event early on in life could cause the brain to age by as much as four years, scientists say, as this fresh research points to such stress contributing to the risk of dementia. 

African Americans seemed to have higher stress levels. The rates of stress have been found to be 60% higher among African Americans, and these events predicted cognitive abilities even more than traditional risk factors such as age, education, and genetics.

In another study, those people with mild cognitive impairment with chronic stress increase the risk of dementia. The research studied 62 seniors with an average age of 78.

Stress Not Good for Health

The research is still mixed about how stress and cognitive impairment are related. Research indicates that stress can play a role in dementia development but is unlikely to be the only factor that causes the condition.

However, a 2020 study shows that midlife stress could increase dementia later in life. The research showed a 1.93 to 2.50 times higher rate of dementia among people with any stress diagnosis registered in midlife compared with those who did not have high levels of stress. 

Planning for Long-Term Health Care Key 

As we age, no matter our racial or financial background, an advance plan for the costs and burdens of aging should be part of your retirement planning. Aging happens, leading to changes in health, body, and mind, and those changes increase the risk of needing long-term care services.

Affordable Long-Term Care Insurance provides tax-free resources for your choice of quality caregivers, either at home or in a facility, without wiping out your hard-earned savings. 

In addition, LTC insurance will reduce the burdens placed on family members when you need help with daily living activities or supervision due to memory loss from the many types of dementia we may suffer from in the future. Often, this burden falls on the lap of a daughter or daughter-in-law when no advance plan exists. Family caregivers are usually unprepared and untrained for the stressful role of being a caregiver.

Shop for LTC Insurance with a Specialist

Experts suggest you start shopping for Long-Term Care Insurance before you retire so you can take advantage of the most affordable options and discounts. Since LTC Insurance is medically underwritten, you cannot purchase a policy once you need care, and by that time, it is too late.

Ideally, according to experts, the 50s are the best time; many people start research in their 40s. However, premiums are based on your age and health when you apply for coverage.

Find a qualified Long-Term Care Insurance specialist to help you navigate the many options from the many companies that offer this coverage - Work With a Specialist | LTC News.