Global patterns linking total meat supply to dementia incidence: A population-based ecological study

Area of Science:

• Global Health
• Nutritional Epidemiology
• Gerontology

Background:

• Dementia incidence is projected to triple by 2050, primarily due to population aging.
• Dietary factors, including meat consumption, are increasingly recognized as potential influences on dementia risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between total meat supply (red and white meat) and dementia incidence across 204 countries.
• To identify if meat supply is a significant predictor of dementia, independent of other risk factors.

Main Methods:

• Utilized global data from 204 countries, analyzing total meat supply and dementia incidence.
• Employed bivariate and partial correlation analyses, alongside multiple regression models.
• Controlled for key variables including aging, economic status, genetic predisposition, and urbanization.

Main Results:

• A significant positive correlation was found between total meat supply and dementia incidence globally (r = 0.59, p < 0.001).
• The association was stronger in low- and middle-income countries.
• Meat supply remained a significant predictor (Beta = 0.20, p < 0.001), though aging was the strongest factor (Beta = 0.79, p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Total meat supply is a modifiable dietary factor associated with increased dementia risk.
• Socio-economic disparities and dietary habits amplify this risk in developing regions.
• Targeted dietary interventions may reduce global dementia incidence, particularly in vulnerable populations.