RESEARCHERS have found a notable correlation between atopic dermatitis (or eczema) and dementia.
While they could not identify a causal relationship between the two conditions, the authors suggested the results could inform future exploration into the link, and consider potential variables such as racial differences and medication taken.
The meta-analysis of five studies included a total of over 12 million people aged at least 39 years of age.
There was a 37% increased risk of all-cause dementia in patients with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.
"Several well-established modifiable risk factors, such as lower education, hearing loss, traumatic brain injury, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, alcohol consumption, smoking, exposure to air pollution, physical inactivity, social isolation, and depression, contribute to the development of dementia," wrote the authors.
"Recent studies suggest that atopic dermatitis, a chronic and highly pruritic inflammatory skin disease adversely affecting quality of life, may serve as a potential risk factor for heightened dementia risk, possibly attributed to immunologic dysregulation and disturbance," they said.
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