Mild worry symptoms predict decline in learning and memory in healthy older adults: A 2-year prospective cohort study

Abstract

Objective: Theoretical models of cognitive aging are increasingly recognizing the importance of anxiety and depressive symptoms in predicting age-related cognitive changes and early dementia. This study examined the association between mild worry and depressive symptoms, and cognitive function in healthy, community-dwelling older adults. Method: A total of 263 healthy older adults participated in an observational prospective cohort study that assessed worry and depression symptoms, and a broad range of cognitive functions over a 2-year period. Results: Older adults with mildly elevated worry symptoms at baseline performed worse than older adults with minimal worry symptoms on measures of vis..