Stroke doubles the risk of dementia
According to the World Health Organization, 15 million people suffer a stroke each year and approximately 50 million people worldwide suffer from dementia. This prevalence should double in 20 years to reach 131 million by 2050. However, the logical association between cerebrovascular health, dementia and "Alzheimer's" is better and better documented over the course of studies, as per this research from the University of Exeter. His conclusions lead to an estimate that is both precise and alarming: stroke doubles the risk of dementia. A decisive risk factor that should encourage special monitoring.
Especially since it is the largest study of its type ever conducted on patients with a history of stroke, analyzing data on the risk of stroke and dementia in 3.2 million people worldwide. . This analysis finds a link between stroke and dementia so significant that it persists even after taking into account other risk factors for dementia such as blood pressure, diabetes and cardiovascular disease. It is therefore the strongest evidence to date of the considerable impact of stroke on the risk of dementia.
Previous research had already established the link but without actually quantifying the degree of impact of stroke on the risk of dementia. To better understand this link, the researchers conducted a meta-analysis of 36 studies involving a total of 1.9 million participants with a history of stroke. Another 12 prospective studies of stroke incidence were also considered, adding an additional 1.3 million participants.
The result is striking, a 70% increase in risk:
A history of stroke increases the risk of dementia by about 70% and recent strokes more than double it, summarizes lead author Dr. Ilianna Lourida, from the University of Exeter. Improving stroke prevention and post-stroke care could therefore play a key role in preventing dementia.
Protecting the blood supply to the brain:
Further research is needed to determine whether other factors such as education or lifestyle for example, but also post-stroke care can modify the risk of dementia after stroke. According to Dr David Llewellyn, from the University of Exeter, “ Around a third of dementia cases are preventable, although this estimate does not take into account the risk associated with stroke. Our results therefore indicate that this incidence could be even higher, and that we must work to protect the blood supply to the brain to reduce the global burden of dementia .”
Does a stroke increase risk of dementia?
The brain damage that occurs with a stroke or a ministroke (transient ischemic attack) may increase your risk of developing dementia.
What type of stroke causes dementia?
Vascular dementia, which is commonly associated with left-hemisphere stroke, impacts reasoning, planning, judgment, memory and other thought processes. It's caused by brain damage from impaired blood flow and other conditions that damage blood vessels and reduce circulation.
What percentage of stroke patients develop dementia?
In fact, around 10% of individuals will develop dementia soon after their first stroke and around a third will be affected after recurrent stroke (10). Compared to the general population, the incidence of dementia is nearly 50 times higher in the year after a major stroke (11).
Does stroke increase risk of Alzheimer's?
Recent research also revealed stroke is the major factor for vascular dementia (VaD) and Alzheimer's disease (AD).
Does your memory get worse after a stroke?
Many people have problems with their memory after a stroke, especially in the first weeks and months. It often affects short-term memory more than long-term. Someone might find it hard to remember something they have just been told. but might recall something that happened ten years ago.
What is the strongest known risk factor for dementia?
The greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's and other dementias is increasing age, but these disorders are not a normal part of aging. While age increases risk, it is not a direct cause of Alzheimer's. Most individuals with the disease are 65 and older. After age 65, the risk of Alzheimer's doubles every five years.
When does a stroke turn into dementia?
Vascular dementia happens when the blood supply to parts of your brain becomes reduced. This can be due to blood vessels being clogged, a stroke or a series of small strokes. Over time, areas of brain cells stop working, leading to symptoms of dementia.
How long after a stroke does dementia set in?
Almost a quarter of people who have had a stroke will go on to develop dementia after about three to six months.
How fast does dementia progress after stroke?
About 20% of people who suffer a stroke will develop vascular dementia within six months. Whether or not changes in thinking, memory, or mental ability occur will depend on the area of the brain the stroke affected.
Can you recover from stroke dementia?
A person's abilities following a stroke sometimes improve with rehabilitation, but there is no cure for stroke-related dementia. Preventing future strokes may slow or stop the progression of dementia, and it can prolong a person's life. However, this will not reverse the disease.
