Researchers in the United Arab Emirates studied 281 people with dementia and 281 similar people without dementia to find out what causes memory loss and thinking problems. They discovered that having had a stroke, depression, or other mood problems significantly increased someone’s risk of developing dementia. Interestingly, people with high cholesterol were actually less likely to develop dementia, which surprised the researchers. This study is important because most dementia research happens in Western countries, and we need to understand how dementia affects people in the Middle East and North Africa.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: What health problems and conditions make someone more likely to develop dementia (memory loss and thinking problems)?
  • Who participated: 562 people in Abu Dhabi, UAE, with an average age of about 75 years. Half had been diagnosed with dementia, and half were healthy people of similar age for comparison.
  • Key finding: People who had experienced a stroke were about 6.5 times more likely to develop dementia, and people with depression or mood disorders were about 10 times more likely to develop dementia. Surprisingly, people with high cholesterol were actually less likely to develop dementia.
  • What it means for you: If you or a loved one has had a stroke or struggles with depression, it’s especially important to monitor memory and thinking skills. However, this study shows connection, not proof of cause-and-effect, so more research is needed.

The Research Details

Researchers compared two groups of people in Abu Dhabi hospitals: those who had been diagnosed with dementia and those who hadn’t. They looked back at medical records from the past 10 years to see what health conditions each person had experienced. This type of study is called a “case-control” study because researchers compare cases (people with the disease) to controls (people without it) by looking at their past health history.

The researchers collected information about heart problems, brain and nerve conditions, mental health issues, and nutrition levels. They matched people in the dementia group with people in the healthy group by age so that age wouldn’t confuse the results. Then they used statistical tools to figure out which conditions were most strongly connected to dementia.

This research method is useful because it looks at real patients in hospitals and uses their actual medical histories. However, because researchers looked backward at old records rather than following people forward in time, they can identify connections but not prove that one thing definitely causes another. This study is particularly important because most dementia research focuses on Western countries, and we need to understand how dementia affects people in the Middle East and North Africa.

This study has good points and some limitations. The good points: it included a reasonable number of people (562 total), carefully matched the two groups by age, and looked at many different health factors. The limitations: it only looked at hospital patients (not the general population), relied on old medical records that might be incomplete, and couldn’t prove cause-and-effect relationships. The study was done in one hospital system in one city, so results might not apply everywhere.

What the Results Show

The strongest finding was that people with a history of stroke (cerebrovascular disease) were about 6.5 times more likely to have dementia compared to people without stroke history. This makes sense because strokes damage blood vessels in the brain, which can affect memory and thinking.

The second strongest finding was that people with mood disorders like depression were about 10 times more likely to have dementia. This is a very strong connection, though researchers aren’t sure if depression causes dementia, if dementia causes depression, or if they share common causes.

The study also found that people with dementia were more likely to have heart failure, anemia (low red blood cells), kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vitamin D deficiency. These conditions were all more common in the dementia group, but when researchers did more detailed analysis, only stroke and mood disorders remained as independent risk factors.

Several other health conditions appeared more often in people with dementia: heart failure, chronic anemia, chronic kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, and vitamin D deficiency. However, when researchers controlled for other factors, these didn’t remain as strong independent predictors. Interestingly, people with dementia were less likely to have high cholesterol (hyperlipidemia), which was actually protective—meaning high cholesterol was associated with lower dementia risk. This unexpected finding needs more research to understand why.

Previous research in Western countries has identified stroke and depression as dementia risk factors, so this study confirms those findings in a Middle Eastern population. The protective effect of high cholesterol is unusual and contradicts some previous research, suggesting that the relationship between cholesterol and dementia may be more complex than previously thought or may differ between populations.

This study has several important limitations to consider. First, it only included hospital patients, not the general population, so results might not apply to all people in the UAE. Second, researchers relied on medical records from the past, which might be incomplete or inaccurate. Third, because this is a case-control study looking backward, researchers can identify connections but cannot prove that one condition causes another. Fourth, the study was done in one hospital system in one city, so results might differ in other regions. Finally, the study couldn’t account for lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, or education, which also affect dementia risk.

The Bottom Line

If you have had a stroke, it’s important to work with your doctor on stroke prevention and brain health. If you experience depression or mood problems, seek treatment, as managing mental health may help protect brain health. Monitor your memory and thinking skills regularly, especially if you have these risk factors. However, remember that having these conditions doesn’t mean you will definitely develop dementia—many people with these conditions never do. (Confidence level: Moderate—this study shows connection but not definite cause-and-effect.)

This research is most relevant to people in the Middle East and North Africa, particularly those with a history of stroke or depression. It’s also important for doctors treating older adults in these regions. People in other parts of the world should note that while stroke and depression are recognized dementia risk factors, the specific patterns may differ in their own populations. This study is less directly applicable to younger people or those without these health conditions.

Dementia typically develops slowly over years or decades. If you have stroke or depression, the increased risk doesn’t mean you’ll develop dementia soon. However, it’s worth starting brain-healthy habits now—managing blood pressure, treating depression, staying mentally active, and maintaining good nutrition—as these may help protect your brain over time.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • If you have a history of stroke or depression, track your cognitive health monthly using simple memory tests (like recalling a list of words or doing mental math). Also track mood symptoms and any new memory concerns. Note any changes to report to your doctor.
  • Set a reminder to take any prescribed medications for stroke prevention or depression consistently. Schedule regular check-ins with your doctor to monitor brain health. Start a brain-healthy routine: daily mental activities (puzzles, reading), physical exercise, and social engagement.
  • Create a quarterly review where you assess memory, mood, and overall cognitive function. Keep a simple log of any memory lapses or confusion. Share this information with your healthcare provider at regular visits. If you notice significant changes, contact your doctor promptly rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.

This research identifies associations between certain health conditions and dementia but does not prove that one causes the other. This study was conducted in the UAE and may not apply equally to all populations. If you are concerned about dementia risk, memory changes, or depression, please consult with your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical diagnosis or treatment. Always discuss any health concerns with a qualified healthcare professional.