A recent study has found a concerning link between stroke and an increased risk of developing dementia.
It shows that this risk is most acute within the first year following a stroke and persists for up to two decades.
Presented at the American Stroke Association’s International Stroke Conference 2024, this research sheds light on the long-term cognitive challenges faced by stroke survivors.
Led by Raed Joundi, M.D., D.Phil., from McMaster University, the team embarked on a comprehensive analysis using data from over 15 million individuals in Ontario.
Their focus was on those who had experienced a stroke, comparing their dementia risk against that of the general population and individuals who had suffered a heart attack without stroke.
The team found stroke survivors showed a nearly threefold increase in dementia risk within the first year post-stroke, with the risk gradually decreasing but remaining significantly elevated even 20 years later.
Nearly 19% of stroke survivors developed dementia over an average follow-up period of 5.5 years.
Compared to the general population, stroke survivors had an 80% higher risk of developing dementia, a figure that also held when compared to individuals who had experienced a heart attack.
Specifically, those who suffered from intracerebral hemorrhage faced an almost 150% higher risk of developing dementia than their counterparts in the general population.
The team highlighted a particularly concerning finding: the rate of post-stroke dementia exceeded that of recurrent stroke within the same timeframe.
They emphasized the profound impact of stroke on brain function, noting that while some survivors face the threat of another stroke, others may undergo progressive cognitive decline akin to neurodegenerative conditions.
Around 795,000 Americans experiencing a stroke annually, and 610,000 of which are first-time incidents. This study underscores the critical need for ongoing cognitive monitoring and support for stroke survivors.
Given the growing prevalence of dementia, projected to nearly double by 2060, these findings call for a new method in managing the long-term health of stroke survivors to lower the risk of dementia.
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