A recent meta-analysis conducted by researchers suggests a declining trend in dementia incidence over time. The study indicates that the risk of developing dementia is decreasing, which may be linked to factors such as the reduction in smoking prevalence. This finding reinforces the consensus on the relationship between cardiovascular health and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting the impact of declining cardiovascular health on dementia risk.
Previous cohort studies have shown inconsistent results regarding changes in dementia prevalence and incidence over time. To address this, the researchers reviewed data from population-based cohort studies that utilized consistent methods across multiple waves. The analysis aimed to quantify changes in risk factors using population attributable fractions (PAFs).
After screening 1,925 records, five eligible systematic reviews were identified, with 27 primary papers included in the final analysis. Data from studies in Europe, the USA, Japan, and Nigeria revealed a declining trend in dementia incidence over time. Notably, the Framingham study showed a decrease in dementia incidence associated with declining PAFs for less education and smoking.
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