Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. In the case of anxiety disorder, the patient responds to certain things with fear and dread. Anxiety is the main symptom of several mental disorders. Anxiety disorders are more common in older adults and older adults with dementia. Anxiety in a patient with dementia worsens the symptoms of dementia. 

According to the American Psychological Association (APA) “an emotion characterized by feelings of tension, worried thoughts and physical changes like increased blood pressure.”

As a caregiver always remember that anxiety is a common stress reaction. Knowing the difference between normal feelings of anxiety and an anxiety disorder requiring medical attention can help a person identify and treat the condition.