Study Links Cardiometabolic Diseases with Dementia Risk

Overview of the Study

A recent study published in *Alzheimer’s & Dementia* highlights a potential connection between diabetes, stroke, heart disease, and the risk of developing dementia. Conducted by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Sweden, the study followed 2,577 seniors over a span of 12 years. The findings indicate that individuals with at least two cardiometabolic diseases are more likely to develop dementia.

Understanding Cardiometabolic Diseases

Cardiometabolic diseases encompass conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and type 2 diabetes. Approximately one-third of older adults have experienced at least two coexisting cardiometabolic conditions. In this study, “cardiometabolic multimorbidity” refers to the presence of at least two such diseases.

While previous studies have established a link between cardiometabolic diseases and dementia risk, the cumulative effect of having multiple cardiometabolic diseases on dementia has not been extensively explored.

Research Methodology

The researchers examined the association between one or more cardiometabolic diseases and the onset of cognitive impairment and dementia over time. Participants aged 60 and older were recruited, all of whom were dementia-free at the study’s outset. They were divided into two groups: one with cognitive impairment but no dementia at baseline, and another considered “cognitively intact.” Cognitive functioning was analyzed throughout the study duration.

Key Findings on Dementia Risk

At the beginning of the study, 67.1% of participants, or 1,730 individuals, were free from cardiometabolic disease, while 32.9% had one or more conditions. Over the 12 years, those in the cognitively intact group demonstrated that an increase in cardiometabolic diseases was linked to a decline in cognition scores.

Participants with cardiometabolic multimorbidity exhibited a 73% higher likelihood of experiencing cognitive impairment (without dementia) compared to those without cardiometabolic diseases. Among those who began the study with cognitive impairment, 22% developed dementia over the period. Notably, individuals with multiple cardiometabolic conditions were 86% more likely to progress from cognitive impairment to dementia than those without these diseases. Conversely, those with only one cardiometabolic disease did not show a significantly increased risk of developing dementia.

Impact on Onset of Cognitive Impairment and Dementia

The study also assessed the rate of onset for cognitive impairment and dementia. It was found that having multiple cardiometabolic diseases accelerated the development of cognitive impairment by an average of 2.3 years and dementia by 1.8 years.

Younger Seniors at Greater Risk

Data from the study were categorized into two age groups: younger seniors (under 78) and older seniors (78 and above). A stronger correlation between cardiometabolic diseases and the onset of cognitive impairment and dementia was observed in the younger group.

Implications for Clinical Practice

The study authors suggest that managing cardiometabolic diseases may play a crucial role in preventing cognitive impairment and dementia. Targeting prevention efforts for cardiometabolic diseases during middle age could be particularly beneficial, as the association with dementia is stronger among younger seniors.

Future research may aim to uncover the physiological connections between cardiometabolic diseases and cognitive health, which could lead to enhanced dementia prevention strategies and treatment options.

References

Dove, A. et al. (2022). Cardiometabolic multimorbidity accelerates cognitive decline and dementia progression. *Alzheimer’s & Dementia*. Doi: 10.1002/alz.12708.
Gerdts, E. and V. Regitz-Zagrosek. (2019). Sex differences in cardiometabolic disorders. *Nature Medicine*; 25(11): 1657-1666. Doi: 10.1038/s41591-019-0643-8.
KI Press Office, Karolinska Institutet. (2022). Diabetes and cardiovascular disease increase dementia risk. *EurekAlert!* Accessed Jun. 21, 2022. Retrieved from https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/956007.
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