Recent research has brought to light a significant connection between various peripheral diseases and an increased risk of developing dementia. This unfolding narrative is underscored by a comprehensive systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis that evaluated 26 different peripheral diseases across nine major physiological systems. Researchers dove into an extensive database that comprised 202 articles obtained from the PubMed database up until September 6, 2024. The findings reveal that as many as 16 peripheral diseases are closely linked to heightened dementia risk. This linkage prompts urgent considerations regarding how we understand dementia’s multifactorial nature and the underlying risks associated with surrounding health conditions.
For many years, the focus on dementia has predominantly centered on neurological factors, sidelining the impact of systemic health issues that may fuel this cognitive decline. By effectively integrating diverse datasets, including those from the Global Burden of Disease Study and demographic insights from the UK Biobank, the researchers aimed not only to identify associations but also to quantify their implications on population health. The resultant findings indicate a staggering combined population attributable fraction (PAF) of 33.18%, suggesting that nearly one-third of the global dementia burden can be traced back to these peripheral diseases. This revelation crystallizes an urgent need for targeted public health interventions.
Digging deeper into the specifics, periodontal diseases emerge as the leading contributor to dementia risk with a PAF of 6.10%. These findings bring to light the profound influence of oral health on cognitive health, a relationship that may not have been sufficiently explored in mainstream research. The implications of this insight could reshape public health policies — especially in countries grappling with high rates of dental neglect. Oral health education may play a pivotal role in mitigating one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time: dementia.
Cirrhosis and other chronic liver ailments follow closely behind, with a significant PAF of 5.51%. These conditions often lead to systemic inflammation and cognitive dysfunction, highlighting the importance of liver health in the broader context of brain health. Chronic liver conditions have long been established as risk factors for neurological issues; however, this new evidence reinforces the necessity of integrated treatment protocols that prioritize liver care as part of dementia risk reduction.
Age-related and other forms of hearing loss also present a striking PAF of 4.70%, which illuminates an often-overlooked dimension of dementia risk. The auditory decline can signal various underlying neurodegenerative processes, pointing to the compelling need for multidisciplinary approaches that address sensory deficits as important factors in cognitive health preservation. Public awareness campaigns focused on hearing health may serve as a proactive measure to reduce dementia risk, encouraging early interventions and regular health screenings.
The study did not shy away from vision-related impairments either, revealing blindness and vision loss contribute a PAF of 4.30% to dementia risk. Given the substantial overlap between cognitive decline and sensory impairments, it becomes imperative to account for these variables when designing individual health assessments and care plans. Individuals living with visual impairments may require tailored cognitive health strategies that encompass both visual rehabilitation and neuroprotective measures.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus, affecting a large swathe of the global population, ranks next, with a PAF of 3.80%. The diabetes-dementia connection is part of an expanding body of literature that links metabolic conditions with neurodegenerative processes. The underlying mechanisms are grounded in insulin resistance, inflammation, and vascular issues—all of which compromise cognitive function over time. This provides a crucial pathway for prevention efforts targeting lifestyle modifications, diet, and exercise to mitigate the impact of diabetes on brain health.
Chronic kidney disease also emerged as a notable contributor to dementia risk with a PAF of 2.74%. Kidney dysfunction leads not only to systemic issues but may also promote cerebrovascular problems that elevate risk for cognitive decline. The interplay between kidney health and brain health remains a critical area of research, and addressing kidney-related conditions should be part of any comprehensive dementia prevention program. Public health strategies could incorporate targeted screening for chronic kidney disease among populations at higher risk of dementia to enhance early intervention opportunities.
As the investigation unfolded, osteoarthritis was identified with a PAF of 2.26%, a surprising entry among the leading causes of dementia risk. The chronic pain and inflammation commonly associated with osteoarthritis may inadvertently lead to reduced physical activity levels, which are known to correlate with cognitive decline. Understanding and managing pain in older adults with osteoarthritis could pave the way for better outcomes in cognitive health, emphasizing the necessity of holistic care approaches that integrate musculoskeletal and neurological health.
Stroke, ischaemic heart disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease also surfaced among the contributing factors with PAFs of 1.01%, 0.97%, and 0.92%, respectively. Each of these conditions carries its own risk profile linked to vascular health and neurodegenerative processes, suggesting that improvements in cardiovascular health could have far-reaching effects in reducing dementia incidence. This highlights the necessity for comprehensive health policies that address both cardiovascular and neurological domains to create a synergistic impact on population health.
The overarching conclusion drawn from this extensive research is that peripheral diseases should not be seen in isolation. The interrelatedness of these various health issues creates a complex web of risk factors influencing dementia. As such, a multifaceted approach to dementia prevention, which encompasses treatment and management strategies for peripheral diseases, may prove to be significantly beneficial. Public health initiatives should pivot towards integrated health strategies that address the breadth of diseases linked to dementia, advocating for preventative care rather than reactive measures.
Ultimately, this groundbreaking study sheds light on the numerous avenues through which public health can make substantial inroads in combating the growing dementia crisis. By emphasizing the broad spectrum of peripheral diseases tied to dementia, policymakers can begin crafting interventions that are informed by nuanced, evidence-based data. This paradigm shift in how we conceive dementia risk could not only improve health outcomes but also enrich the lives of millions who are presently navigating the murky waters of cognitive decline.
As we continue to unearth the complex layers of health conditions feeding into dementia’s rising prevalence, the commitment to prevention and early intervention becomes more crucial than ever. In a world where the population is aging rapidly, and the burden of dementia is projected to escalate, proactive measures taken today could echo through future generations, ensuring that cognitive health remains a paramount concern across all demographics and regions.
Subject of Research: The relationship between peripheral diseases and the risk of developing dementia.
Article Title: Population attributable fractions of a wide range of peripheral diseases for the burden of dementia.
Article References:
Deng, Z., Yang, Y., Lin, Q. et al. Population attributable fractions of a wide range of peripheral diseases for the burden of dementia.
Nat Hum Behav (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02392-2
Image Credits: AI Generated
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41562-025-02392-2
Keywords: dementia, peripheral diseases, meta-analysis, population health, public health strategies.
