Abstract
BackgroundThe impact of headache on dementia is largely unknown. This study examined the association between headache and dementia using data from a large population-based study.MethodsThis population-based study used data from the Nord-Trøndelag Health Surveys performed in 1995–1997 (HUNT2) and 2006–2008 (HUNT3). The reference group (controls) was participants aged ≥55 years who answered the headache questions in HUNT2 and later participated in HUNT3 (n = 15,601). The association with headache status in HUNT2 was investigated in sample of confirmed non-demented elderly evaluated with psychometric tests after HUNT3 (n = 96), and HUNT2 participants later diagnosed with dementia during 1997–2011 (n = 746). The association with headache was evaluated by logistical regression with adjustment for age, gender, level of education, comorbidity, smoking, and anxiety and depression.ResultsAny headache was more likely to be reported in HUNT2 among those who later were included in the dementia registry (OR 1.24; 95 % CI 1.04–1.49) compared to the reference group, but less likely among the confirmed non-demented individuals (OR 0.62; 95 % CI 0.39–0.98). This relationship was even stronger for non-migrainous headache, whereas such association was not found for migraine.ConclusionsCompared to the reference group, individuals with dementia were more likely to report non-previous migrainous headache in HUNT2, whereas a sample of confirmed non-demented were less likely to report previous non-migrainous headache.
Highlights
The impact of headache on dementia is largely unknown
Any headache was more likely to be reported in HUNT2 among those who later were included in the dementia registry compared to the reference group, but less likely among the confirmed non-demented individuals
In the final multivariate analyses, adjusted for gender, age, education, smoking, Hospital and Anxiety and Depression (HADS) score and severe comorbid conditions, any headache was more likely to be reported in HUNT2 among those who later were included in the dementia registry compared to reference group, but less likely among the confirmed non-demented individuals (Table 2)
Summary
This study examined the association between headache and dementia using data from a large population-based study. A Swedish registry study reported an association between migraine and the occurrence of dementia with Lewy bodies [16], most other studies have not found any relationship between migraine and cognitive decline [9,10,11,12,13,14,15]. In a longitudinal Norwegian population-based study we have previously reported that headache at baseline was associated with slightly higher risk of dementia [17]. After that study was published, the dementia registry has been expanded with about 50 % more individuals, and in addition, we have new data including a group of definitely nondemented aged 55–89 years, verified by performance on tests of memory and intelligence
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
