Headache disorder and the risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies

Background

Until now, headache disorders have not been established as a risk factor for dementia. The aim of this study was to determine whether headache was associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Methods

We systematically searched electronic databases, including PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science, for studies investigating the association between headache and dementia. We then conducted a meta-analysis to determine a pooled-effect estimate of the association.

Results

We identified 6 studies (covering 291,549 individuals) to investigate the association between headache and the risk of all-cause dementia or Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Pooled analyses showed that any headache was associated with a 24% greater risk of all-cause dementia (relative risk RR]?=?1.24; 95% confidential interval CI]: 1.09–1.41; P?=?0.001), and that any headache was not statistically significantly associated with an increased risk of AD (RR?=?1.47; 95% CI: 0.82–2.63; P?=?0.192).

Conclusions

Our results indicated that any headache was associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia. However, additional studies are warranted to further confirm and understand the association.