In a study published in the Journal of Headache and Pain, migraine diagnoses in mid- to late-life were shown to be associated with the risk of dementia. Dr. Sabrina Islamoska, a research scientist at the University of Copenhagen, led a team of researchers in investigating precisely how migraine and dementia are linked. While studies had already been conducted demonstrating this link, Dr. Islamoska pointed out in an interview with MedPage Today that hers is the “first national register-based study investigating migraine diagnoses in midlife and dementia risk later in life.” According to the abstract of the research paper, the big difference between her study and previous studies is that previous studies “did not differentiate between migraine types and did not investigate dementia subtypes.” Dr. Islamoska’s study explored dementia risk for migraine with and without aura.
Some people believe that a migraine is just a really bad headache, but it is much more than that. Migraines are an illness with various neurological symptoms including nausea, dizziness, hypersensitivity, and often really bad headaches. There are various types of migraines, Dr. Islamoska’s study focused on two main types: migraines with aura (MA) and migraine without aura (MO). Migraines without aura are also known as “common” or “episodic” and are characterized by a pulsating headache on one side of the head – which can be aggravated by routine physical activity – accompanied by nausea, and hypersensitivity to light and sound. The International Classification of Headache Disorders states that in order to be diagnosed with common migraine, the patient must have had at least five migraine episodes during a 12-month period. Migraines with aura refers to migraine episodes where various visual symptoms begin to occur about 30 minutes before the headache begins. The visual symptoms are things like seeing flashing lights, wavy lines, or temporary vision loss. Sometimes other symptoms also take place, such as speech impediments, numbness, and weakness. Occasionally migraines with aura do not include a headache.
The study showed that both types of migraine are a dementia risk factor, but especially migraine with aura. According to Dr. Islamoska, this information corroborates other studies that link the body’s vascular function with dementia since migraine with aura is associated with stronger vascular mechanisms. The fact that various studies in different areas arrive at similar conclusions demonstrates how important it is to have a holistic approach to health, that is, doctors and patients alike should be aware of various different health factors and symptoms in order to reduce risk factors that might lead to serious health concerns later in life.
Dr. Islamoska’s study focused on patients with migraines in mid- to late-life and took into account various cardiovascular contributing factors to migraine, the findings of this study confirm the importance of heart health in order to prevent or delay dementia. The study also evaluated whether the use of anti-migraine medications. Some studies suggest that some anti-migraine medications can have an impact on vascular events, but Dr. Islamoska’s study concluded that anti-migraine medication does not seem to contribute to dementia.
While this study shows a strong link between MA and dementia, more studies need to be carried out, especially studies that include patients who have their migraines treated outside hospital.