Günak, MM;
Billings, J;
Carratu, E;
Marchant, NL;
Favarato, G;
Orgeta, V;
(2020)
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder as a Risk Factor for Dementia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
The British Journal of Psychiatry
, 217
(5)
pp. 600-608.
10.1192/bjp.2020.150.
Preview |
Text
Orgeta_PTSD and Dementia risk Systematic review and Meta-analysis Clean Copy Revised 8th of June 2020 UCL depository.pdf - Accepted Version Download (983kB) | Preview |
Abstract
Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been identified as a potential risk factor for developing dementia. There are currently, however, no meta-analyses quantifying this risk. Aims: To systematically review and quantify the risk of future dementia associated with PTSD across populations. PROSPERO registration number CRD42019130392. Method: We searched nine electronic databases up to 25 October 2019 for longitudinal studies assessing PTSD and risk of dementia. We used random- and fixed-effects meta-analyses to pool estimates across studies. Results: PTSD was associated with a significant risk for all-cause dementia: pooled hazard ratio HR = 1.61 (95% CI 1.43–1.81, I2 = 85.8%, P < 0.001; n = 1 693 678; 8 studies). Pooled HR was 1.61 (95% CI 1.46–1.78; I2 = 80.9%, P < 0.001; n = 905 896; 5 studies) in veterans, and 2.11 (95% CI 1.03–4.33, I2 = 91.2%, P < 0.001; n = 787 782; 3 studies) in the general population. The association between PTSD and dementia remained significant after excluding studies with high risk of bias (HR = 1.55, 95% CI 1.39–1.73, I2 = 83.9%, P < 0.001; n = 1 684 928; 7 studies). Most studies included were retrospective and there was evidence of high heterogeneity. Conclusions: This is the first meta-analysis quantifying the association of PTSD and risk of dementia showing that PTSD is a strong and potentially modifiable risk factor for all-cause dementia. Future studies investigating potential causal mechanisms, and the protective value of treating PTSD are needed.
Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
