Atherosclerosis and dementia development: an epidemiological case-control study

With increasing life expectancy, the prevalence of atherosclerosis and dementia is expected to rise in the future and as such represents a public health threat. This study focused on analysis of atherosclerosis risk factors and the protective factors of leisure-time activities in the development of dementia.

The sample comprised 1,298 participants that were selected from university hospitals and outpatient clinics between 2019-2023. All participants completed a questionnaire and medical data were obtained. We used logistic regression to identify dementia risk factors and we also compared the leisure-time protective factors between four groups based on the presence of atherosclerosis and/or dementia.

Hypercholesterolemia (aOR = 3.25, p > 0.001), stroke (aOR = 1.43, p = 0.015), and carotid stenosis (aOR = 2.23, p > 0.001) were significantly associated with risk of dementia whereas age (aOR = 0.93, p < 0.001) and female gender (aOR = 0.70, p = 0.012) were negatively associated. The model of these factors demonstrated moderate discriminatory ability of AUC 0.737 (95% CI: 0.702-0.769). Higher education levels and regular cognitive and physical activities such as reading and exercise had positive effects against dementia.

These findings accentuate the importance of cardiovascular health in reducing risk of dementia. Preventive strategies targeting hypercholesterolemia, carotid stenosis and inactivity, along with promotion of cognitive engagement and education, could substantially reduce the global burden of dementia.