Researchers have discovered that brain bleeds, or intracranial hemorrhages, significantly increase the risk of developing dementia later in life. The study, published in Stroke, analyzed data from nearly 15,000 Medicare patients and found a two-fold increase in dementia diagnosis within five years after a brain bleed.
The findings suggest that brain bleeds may trigger dementia by triggering the accumulation of amyloid beta in the brain, or they may share risk factors with neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers emphasize the importance of regular cognitive screening for patients who have experienced a brain bleed.
Using Medicare data from 2008 to 2018, Dr. Samuel Bruce and his colleagues observed a two-fold increase in dementia diagnosis within an average of five years after a brain bleed. This is compared to over two million people who did not have a brain bleed.
The study’s lead author, Dr. Santosh Murthy, noted that hemorrhages may cause dementia directly by triggering the accumulation of amyloid beta or share risk factors with neurodegenerative diseases. The researchers concluded that assessing the safety of anti-amyloid beta treatments for Alzheimer’s disease in patients who have experienced a brain bleed is essential.
The study adds to literature showing that hemorrhages are linked to later cognitive problems. Further research will explore the underlying mechanisms and evaluate the safety of Alzheimer’s treatments in patients with brain bleeds.
Key findings include:
* Brain bleeds double the risk of developing dementia within several years.
* Hemorrhages may trigger dementia through amyloid beta accumulation or share risk factors with neurodegenerative diseases.
* Regular cognitive screening is essential for patients who have experienced a brain bleed.
This study highlights the importance of monitoring cognitive health and addressing risk factors in older adults who have experienced a brain bleed.
Source: https://neurosciencenews.com/brain-bleeds-dementia-28420