Stress and anxiety in dementia

The prevalence of dementia is increasing worldwide and it is anticipated to affect more than 130 million people by 2050 (Martin Prince et al., 2015). In Australia, the number of individuals diagnosed with dementia has been also increasing (Health Direct, 2018). Dementia is a syndrome that includes various diseases that affect one’s memory and cognition, and interfere with occupational and social processes [Gale, Acar, & Daffner, 2018; World Health Organization (WHO), 2017]. The WHO categorized dementia as a public health priority in 2012 because it significantly impoverished individuals’ daily functioning as a consequence of a deterioration in memory, cognition, and behavior. It is predominantly chronic and progressive, and is induced by multiple brain illnesses (Baumgart et al., 2015; Ferri et al., 2005; WHO, 2012). The number of people with dementia is predicted to continue growing, especially in countries with demographic transition, as well as in older populations (WHO, 2012). Aging is impacting the prevalence of dementia and driving governments to develop action plan responses as the disease is a leading contributor to disability and dependence in older people (Prince et al., 2013)