Study Finds Frailty Increases Dementia Risk
An international study led by the University of Queensland’s Centre for Health Services Research has found that frailty significantly increases the risk of dementia. However, early intervention strategies could play a key role in prevention.
The study, led by Dr. David Ward, analysed data from nearly 30,000 participants across four longitudinal studies in the UK and US. Researchers tracked health and function changes up to 20 years before dementia diagnoses, uncovering critical insights into the relationship between frailty and cognitive decline.
“The accumulation of age-related conditions indicates increasing frailty, which we found accelerates up to nine years before a dementia diagnosis,” Dr. Ward said.
“Our findings show that for every 4–5 additional health problems, there is a 40% higher risk of dementia. Conversely, fitter individuals face a lower risk. This suggests frailty actively contributes to dementia onset, not just as a consequence of undetected dementia.”
Understanding Frailty and Dementia
Frailty is an age-related health condition marked by declining resilience in multiple organ systems, leading to higher risks of falls, disability, and hospitalisations. Dr. Ward emphasised the importance of recognising frailty as a modifiable risk factor:
“People age at different rates, and the degree of frailty is determined by the accumulation of health problems. Addressing frailty through targeted interventions like exercise and nutrition can reduce dementia risk and improve quality of life.”
The study supports incorporating frailty screening into routine health check-ups and using the results to guide prevention programs.
Dementia’s Global Impact
Dementia affects over 55 million people worldwide, with 10 million new cases annually, according to the World Health Organisation. This study provides vital insights into how addressing frailty can reduce dementia risk and alleviate the growing global burden.
A Collaborative Effort
Co-author Professor David Llewellyn from the University of Exeter Medical School highlighted the study’s significance.
“Identifying frailty as a predictor of dementia risk offers a pathway for early intervention. International collaboration enabled us to examine diverse populations, strengthening the findings’ validity and shaping future clinical trials.”
The research, involving institutions from Australia, Europe, and North America, was supported by the Deep Dementia Phenotyping (DEMON) Network and the Australian Frailty Network (AFN). It underscores the need to address frailty as part of a comprehensive strategy to prevent dementia, improving outcomes for millions globally.
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