NEW research has shown that intracranial haemorrhages double the risk of developing dementia in later life, highlighting the need for regular cognitive screening in affected patients.
Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine have demonstrated a strong link between brain haemorrhages and an increased risk of dementia. While previous studies have largely focused on cognitive decline following ischemic strokes caused by blood clots, this study extends concerns to haemorrhagic strokes. The findings underscore the importance of monitoring cognitive function in patients who have experienced such events, as early detection of dementia may influence clinical care and treatment decisions.
The study utilised Medicare claims data from nearly 15,000 patients who suffered non-traumatic intracranial haemorrhages, including intracerebral, subarachnoid, and subdural haemorrhages. These cases were compared against a cohort of over two million patients without a history of brain haemorrhage. The results showed a two-fold increase in dementia diagnoses over an average follow-up period of 5.6 years. Specifically, 17.1% of patients with an intracranial haemorrhage developed dementia, compared to 12.8% in the non-hemorrhagic group. The hazard ratio for dementia following a haemorrhage was 2.0 (95% CI, 1.9–2.2), with the highest risk observed in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (HR, 2.4; CI, 2.2–2.5). These findings suggest that haemorrhages may contribute to dementia through mechanisms such as amyloid beta accumulation or shared vascular risk factors.
Given the significant association between haemorrhages and dementia, clinicians should consider routine cognitive assessments in patients who have experienced a brain bleed. Identifying cognitive decline early could lead to tailored care plans that improve patient outcomes. Furthermore, as treatments for Alzheimer’s disease increasingly target amyloid beta, further research is necessary to determine their safety and efficacy in individuals with a history of haemorrhagic stroke. Future studies will also explore how haemorrhages influence different dementia subtypes and whether targeted interventions can mitigate this elevated risk.
Katrina Thornber, EMJ
Reference
Bruce SS et al. Non-traumatic intracranial hemorrhage and risk of incident dementia in US Medicare beneficiaries. Stroke. 2025 Jan 27;56(0).
