Migraines Are a Significant Risk Factor for Dementia

A study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry names migraines a significant risk factor for Alzheimer disease (AD) and all-cause dementia, reports Neurology Advisor . The researchers analyzed data on migraine history and all covariates for community-dwelling seniors 65 or older who screened as cognitively intact at baseline. A cognitive evaluation was performed five years later, with dementia diagnoses based on clinical examination with diagnoses of all-cause dementia, AD, and vascular dementia. Migraine history had a significant association with all-cause dementia and AD, which continued after adjustment for confounding and intervening factors. No significant association between migraines and vascular dementia was observed, even after adjustment. "Identifying a midlife risk factor for dementia, such as migraines, enables earlier detection of at-risk individuals in addition to contributing to our understanding of AD etiology," the investigators concluded. "It also provides a rationale for the development of new preventive strategies for AD and treatments targeting migraines and associated intervening variables. Implications for clinical practice include earlier screening for cognitive decline in migraine sufferers, as well as more aggressive treatment of potential intervening variables to delay dementia, improve quality of life, and increase the likelihood of healthy aging."