Association between migraine and risk of dementia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Migraines, a prevalent neurological disorder, are increasingly linked to an elevated risk of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD). This systematic review and meta-analysis examined 12 cohort studies with 465,358 participants to assess this association. The results showed a significant relationship between migraines and dementia risk (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.21–1.50), particularly chronic migraines (OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.44–1.52). Women, younger individuals, and those with a family history of dementia were at higher risk. Shared vascular risk factors, neurovascular dysfunction, and hormonal influences are potential mechanisms underlying this link. Chronic migraine may act as an early marker for cognitive decline, highlighting the need for targeted interventions and vascular risk management in at-risk individuals. Further research is essential to explore causal pathways and prevention strategies to reduce dementia risk in migraine patients.