A recent study published in JAMA Neurology has identified a significant association between hospital visits for cannabis use and an elevated risk of dementia diagnosis within five years. The research, conducted by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) in Ontario, Canada, analyzed data from over six million individuals aged 45 and older, revealing that those who required acute care due to cannabis use faced a notably higher risk of developing dementia compared to their peers.
Key Findings
The study examined health records from 2008 to 2021, focusing on individuals with no prior history of dementia. Among the 6,086,794 participants, 16,275 (approximately 0.3%) had an emergency department visit or hospitalization related to cannabis use. The findings indicated that:
- 5% of individuals with cannabis-related acute care were diagnosed with dementia within five years.
- 19% received a dementia diagnosis within ten years.
In contrast, among those with acute care for other reasons, 3.6% were diagnosed within five years and 14.8% within ten years. In the general population, the rates were 1.3% and 5.5%, respectively.
Increased Risk Among Older Adults
The research highlighted a particularly sharp increase in cannabis-related hospital visits among older adults. For individuals aged 65 and older, the annual rate of first-time acute care visits for cannabis use rose 26.7-fold, from 0.65 per 100,000 in 2008 to 16.99 per 100,000 in 2021.
Potential Contributing Factors
While the study establishes a correlation between cannabis-related acute care and increased dementia risk, it does not confirm causation. Researchers suggest that severe cannabis use may be associated with other risk factors for dementia, such as high blood pressure, head trauma, depression, and social isolation.
Implications for Public Health
The findings raise concerns amid the growing legalization and use of cannabis, especially among older adults. Healthcare providers are encouraged to discuss potential risks with patients and monitor cognitive health in individuals with significant cannabis use.
Conclusion
This study underscores the importance of understanding the potential long-term cognitive effects of cannabis use. As cannabis becomes more accessible, especially to older populations, awareness of associated health risks, including the potential for increased dementia diagnoses, becomes crucial.
