There is a critical connection between the two.
Every year, approximately 15 million people worldwide experience a stroke, a medical condition characterized by a blockage or burst of a blood vessel leading to the brain, resulting in insufficient oxygen supply to the brain. Among these individuals, researchers estimate that around half will endure a permanent or chronic disability, encompassing issues like one-sided paralysis, communication difficulties, memory loss, or challenges with gripping and holding objects. Previous studies have indicated that having a stroke elevates the risk of various health problems, including vision issues, depression, post-stroke fatigue, difficulty swallowing, cancer, and dementia.
New research presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2024 reveals that having a stroke increases the risk of dementia by 80%, even after considering other factors influencing dementia risk. The study, which is yet to undergo peer-reviewed publication, further establishes that the dementia risk is three times higher in the first year after a stroke. This risk diminishes to a 1.5-times increased risk five years post-stroke but remains elevated even after 20 years.
During a stroke, the brain experiences a cutoff in oxygen flow, leading to the death of brain cells and potentially causing dementia. Vascular dementia, a form of dementia, is specifically triggered by reduced blood flow to the brain. However, past research has also demonstrated that having a stroke can elevate the risk of other dementia types, including Alzheimer’s disease.
Dr. Raed Joundi, the lead author of the study and an assistant professor at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, highlights the importance of investigating the link between stroke and dementia due to the increasing number of stroke survivors, emphasizing the common occurrence of cognitive impairment after a stroke.
The study involved analyzing data from over 15 million people in Ontario, Canada, using medical databases. Of these, about 181,000 individuals had survived an ischemic stroke or intracerebral hemorrhage without dementia for at least 90 days. The dementia risk was found to be 80% higher in those who had experienced a stroke compared to control groups, persisting even after matching for age, sex, socioeconomic status, and vascular risk factors. The researchers observed a three-fold risk of dementia in the first year after a stroke, indicating both immediate and long-term impacts on brain function.
Discussion about this post