- Researchers developed an 11-point risk factor score to predict dementia onset 14 years ahead of the typical diagnostic timeline.
- The score is up to 80% accurate in British populations.
- It could be used as an initial screening tool for dementia.
Millions of people around the world currently live with dementia, a progressive neurodegenerative condition that affects memory and cognitive skills.
As there is currently no cure for dementia, preventative strategies are crucial for reducing its impact on a person’s overall health and their quality of life.
Research suggests that up to
While several prognostic models exist to predict dementia risk, they often carry significant limitations. For example, a 2019 systematic review of 61 dementia risk scores found that only eight had been validated by external samples. Meanwhile, those that had been validated often had poor and inconsistent performance in external validation.
Moreover, most developmental cohorts are from North America. Whether or not these risk scores apply to other populations remains unclear.
New risk scores that are externally validated and include diverse populations are crucial for identifying dementia risk and improving dementia prognosis.
Recently, researchers developed a dementia risk score consisting of 11 risk factors that can predict up to 80% of dementia cases 14 years before onset. They called it the UK Biobank Dementia Risk Score (UKBDRS).
The study was published in BMJ Mental Health.
For the study, the researchers examined healthcare data from the UK Biobank from 220,762 individuals with an average age of 60 years old. The researchers followed the participants for 14 years.
They also compiled a list of 28 risk and protective factors linked to dementia. After analyzing 80% of the UK Biobank-derived healthcare data in light of these factors, they identified 11 that…
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