Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Mar 25: Severe infections requiring hospitalisation may increase the risk of developing dementia later in life, according to a new study published in PLOS Medicine.

The research, based on a large nationwide dataset from Finland, analysed over 62,000 dementia patients and more than 3 lakh control participants, focusing on individuals aged 65 and above.

The study found that certain infections—particularly bacterial infections and conditions like cystitis—were linked to a higher risk of dementia, even after accounting for other known risk factors such as neurological and chronic diseases.

Researchers observed that these infections typically occurred five to six years before a dementia diagnosis, suggesting they may accelerate underlying cognitive decline rather than directly cause the disease.

Lead author Pyry Sipilä from the University of Helsinki said the findings indicate that infections could play a role in speeding up processes that eventually lead to dementia.

Independent experts also highlighted the significance of the findings. Brent Masel noted that infections serious enough to require hospital care may act as an independent risk factor, adding to growing evidence linking infections and cognitive decline.

However, researchers cautioned that the findings do not establish a direct cause-and-effect relationship. The study was limited to data from Finland, and factors such as missing records, delayed diagnoses, and other health conditions could influence results.

Experts emphasised that severe infections are only one of many factors linked to dementia, and their contribution represents just a part of a larger, complex picture.

They advised that while the general population need not be alarmed, greater attention to infection prevention and timely treatment—especially among those at higher risk—could be beneficial.

Further research is needed to better understand the link and explore whether early intervention can help reduce dementia risk.