Feeling anxious? You might become more prone to Parkinson's Disease

If you're over 50 and feeling anxious, - here's something to keep in mind- it might be more than just stress. A new study in the British Journal of General Practice suggests that older adults with anxiety could face double the risk of developing Parkinson's disease compared to their calmer counterparts.

Parkinson's, as many know, is becoming increasingly common globally, with projections showing it could affect a staggering 14.2 million people by 2040, thanks to longer lifespans. So, maybe it's worth paying attention to those nerves and keeping tabs on your mental health as you age.

The study confirmed that people with anxiety are at higher risk for developing Parkinson’s Disease (PD), with depression, sleep disturbance, fatigue, cognitive impairment, hypotension, tremor, rigidity, balance impairment, and constipation also identified as risk factors.


Neurologists in Delhi believe these findings can aid in the early diagnosis and treatment of Parkinson’s. The study underscores the significance of early symptoms, particularly anxiety, but acknowledges the need for more research to fully understand this complex neurodegenerative disorder.

Addressing anxiety

Dr Jaideep Bansal, senior director and head of neurology at Fortis Hospital, Shalimar Bagh, told The Times of India the importance of addressing anxiety symptoms in elderly patients during the diagnostic process.

“This study prompts healthcare professionals to give more consideration to anxiety symptoms in elderly patients and incorporate them into a comprehensive diagnostic process.”

He emphasized that recognizing and addressing anxiety promptly can improve the overall well-being of those at risk:

“By recognising and addressing anxiety in a timely manner, we can enhance the overall well-being of people at risk.”

The research suggests anxiety might manifest before motor symptoms in individuals with Parkinson’s Disease, who generally face higher levels of anxiety. Dr (Col) Joy Dev Mukherji from Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket, mentioned a theory linking Parkinson’s with changes in the brain’s fear circuitry and cognitive functions that precede other symptoms.

“One theory suggests that PD may influence the brain’s fear circuitry and may be linked to cognitive changes that happen before other symptoms become apparent.”

Damaging effects of chronic anxiety on the brain

Dr PN Renjen, senior neurology consultant at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, highlighted the damaging effects of chronic anxiety on the brain. Chronic anxiety can increase cortisol levels, harming dopamine-producing neurons, a hallmark of Parkinson’s.

“Chronic anxiety can lead to elevated levels of stress hormones, particularly cortisol. The increase in cortisol can damage dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, which is a distinctive feature of Parkinson’s disease.”

Damage to dopamine-producing neurons affects the brain's motor control systems, causing symptoms like tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia, according to Dr Renjen.

“This damage can disrupt the normal functioning of the brain's motor control systems, leading to the characteristic symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremors, rigidity, and bradykinesia.”

Anxiety turning into Parkinson’s Disease

Additionally, anxiety can cause inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the brain, which contribute to Parkinson's neurodegenerative progression.

Dr Biplab Das from Narayana Hospital, Gurgaon, elaborated on the manifestations of anxiety in Parkinson’s Disease, which may not have a clear external cause and can persist for long periods.

“Some people may experience persistent and unexplained feelings of worry and unease, indicative of a generalised anxiety disorder. Others might encounter sudden episodes of intense fear accompanied by physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat and sweating, which are characteristic of panic attacks. Additionally, social situations may trigger heightened self-consciousness and discomfort, leading to social anxiety. These manifestations of anxiety in PD often arise without a clear external cause and tend to persist over an extended period.”

How to manage anxiety

Prof Manjari Tripathi, head of the neurology department at AIIMS, mentioned that while not all anxious patients will develop Parkinson's Disease, persistent, uncontrollable anxiety can be a predisposing factor for certain conditions.

Anxiety can be managed through a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Lifestyle adjustments, exercise, yoga, therapy, and prescribed medications can potentially reduce the likelihood of developing Parkinson’s Disease.