Through the Gospels, we read of several instances where Jesus warned about worry:

And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? (Matthew 6:27)

And for good reason. Today, numerous studies have shown that worry/anxiety can lead to multiple health issues. READ: How Worrying Affects the Body

But now researchers at Northwestern University are warning that anxiety in our younger years could also make a person more susceptible to dementia when they are older.

Study Finds explains:

CHICAGO — As we age, the countless cells and neurons in our brains can come under attack from harmful tangles and plaque build-ups. This interference is the common cause of dementia, which destroys the memory and thinking abilities of many seniors. While scientists continue to work on treatments for dementia, a new study finds your personality may be the best weapon you have. Researchers at Northwestern University say anxious and moody people are more susceptible to the affects of brain damage later in life. […]

The data in the Northwestern report comes from the Rush University Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Patients volunteered to share years of self-reports on their mental state with researchers looking at brain health. Upon their deaths, each patient agreed to donate their brain to the study so the team could check the levels of tangles and plaque build-ups inside.

READ: Dementia risk tied to personality: Anxious, moody people more prone to brain disease

The study revealed that even though people had similar physical declines in their brains, those with a positive outlook on life did better cognitively than those who worried.

The good news is that we can change. With the Holy Spirit’s help we can learn to control our thought life and stop the worry. The sooner we change, the better.

We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ. (2 Corinthians 10:5)