Self-assessed poor health could be an indicator of dementia risk
Published 5 October 2011
People who rate their health as poor or fair are significantly more likely to develop dementia later in life according to a study published online in Neurology.
Researchers from the University of Bordeaux in France found that people who rated their health as poor were 70 per cent more likely while those with self-rated fair health were 34 per cent more likely to develop dementia than those who rated their health as good.
The study asked 8,169 people aged 65 or older to rate their health and followed them for nearly seven years. During this time, 618 people developed dementia.
Alzheimer's Society comment:
'As this study shows once again, keeping in tip top health will not only have short term gain but could significantly reduce our risk of dementia. It is therefore important that people manage any medical conditions they have, maintain a healthy lifestyle and have regular check ups with their GP.'
'However, although we have established the link between poor health and dementia, we do not yet have the scientific know-how to say for certain who will go on to develop dementia. More research is needed to increase our understanding of the brain and to develop new diagnostic tools. If this is to happen, we must invest in dementia research now.'
Dr Anne Corbett
Research Manager
Alzheimer's Society
Research Reference: 'Self-rated health and risk of incident dementia' by Montlahuc et al in Neurology online
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Notes to editors:
- One in three people over 65 will die with dementia
- Alzheimer's Society research shows that 750,000 people in the UK have a form of dementia, more than half have Alzheimer's disease. In just ten years a million people will be living with dementia. This will soar to 1.7 million people by 2051
- Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions of people who care for them
- Alzheimer's Society works in England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Alzheimer's Society supports people to live well with dementia today and funds research to find a cure for tomorrow. We rely on voluntary donations to continue our vital work. You can donate now by calling 0845 306 0898 or visiting alzheimers.org.uk
- Alzheimer's Society provides a National Dementia Helpline, the number is 0845 300 0336 or visit alzheimers.org.uk
