Dementia risk linked to epilepsy and projected to rise globally

New research indicates a significant link between epilepsy and an increased risk of developing dementia before the age of 65. An international study analyzing health data from approximately 512,000 participants in France and Sweden suggests that individuals diagnosed with epilepsy, particularly those diagnosed in middle adulthood, face a higher risk of early-onset dementia.

Separately, a study published in JAMA Neurology by the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing (CHeBA) at UNSW Sydney projects a massive global increase in dementia cases. Annual new cases are expected to rise from 11.4 million in 2023 to 24.7 million by 2050, representing a 116 percent increase.

The findings highlight significant disparities based on gender and economic status. The incidence rate is higher in women than in men, and individuals in low-to-middle-income countries face a significantly higher incidence rate compared to those in high-income nations.