can anxiety alone be first sign?

[strawberryshortcake333]

I appreciate I may well be looking for an answer that no one can give, but was hoping to hear of any similar experiences.

FiL is early 70s, lives alone, and has done for years. Has health problems including chronic pain, but has been very independent up to this point.

Over the last 4 months he has rapidly descended into what I would describe as a breakdown, with the main symptom being a completely overwhelming anxiety. He has seen GP regularly, who has been great, doing usual tests for UTI etc and eventually prescribing antidepressants and CBT.

He has family living closer than DH and I, and they see him regularly. DH went to stay recently and went to GP with him, to see what was said at the appointment.

I know anxiety can be really common and not necessarily be linked to D or A, but I have it in the back of my mind that it could be an early sign and I'm just sort of taking note at this stage, in case other symptoms start to emerge. I wonder if anyone has seen this in their own relative?

Instead of taking note, how about act? Given that about 50% of people in the UK (NHS statistics say bout 61.8% over 65, but that is I think for inpatients so maybe less in total population) are going to suffer from dementia and or Alzheimer’s, and the risk factors are known, why not just do something about it now?

Modifiable risk factors include:

• diabetes
• high alcohol intake
• high blood pressure
• lack of exercise
• low educational attainment
• obesity
• poor physical health
• smoking

Source, www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/about-dementia/prevention-and-risk-factors/

Hmm I guess it's possible but much more likely to be anxiety. Is he anxious about a certain thing? Or is it more generalised?
What is his memory like? Try asking him a few deeper questions, rather than just the mundane "Hi, how are you?", ask him to remember three words and then see if he can recall them a few minutes later when you've distracted him a bit.
See if he knows who the prime minister is and can recall events in the news?
What is his functioning like? Can he look after his personal care and is the house generally clean and tidy? Has he any hobbies? Something to absorb himself in? Can he get to social events or see friends?
Talk to him, it may be that he is finding the responsibility of looking after his home too much, he might want to downsize? He could be lonely and want to move closer to you guys? Unless you talk to him you won't know.