Factors in Middle Age Might Predict Later Dementia

The demographic, medical, and social risk factors for dementia are wide-ranging. Two new prospective, population-based studies examine novel, long-term, potential predictors.

Gallacher and colleagues analyzed trait anxiety, as measured by a standardized inventory, and later cognitive status in 1180 men (age range, 48–67) with available cognitive outcome data. After an average follow-up of 17 years and after adjustment for potential confounders, patients with high trait anxiety showed a significantly increased risk for “cognitive impairment, not dementia,” and a trend toward increased risk for frank dementia.

To examine social factors, Håkansson and colleagues used long-term data on 1449 individuals (mean age at baseline, 50; mean follow-up, 2…