Rosacea Linked to Increased Alzheimer Risk

Individuals with rosacea are at greater risk for dementia, particularly Alzheimer disease, according to the results of a recent study.

Previous research has suggested a link between the mechanisms behind rosacea and those involved in developing neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer disease.
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To explore this possibility, the researchers followed 5,591,718 Danish citizens, aged 18 or older, between January 1, 1997, and December 31, 2012. Of these individuals, 82,439 had rosacea, and 99,040 developed dementia during the study period. Overall, 29,193 were diagnosed with Alzheimer disease.

After adjustment for potential confounding factors, the researchers found that individuals with rosacea had a 7% increased risk of dementia and a 25% increased risk of Alzheimer disease, compared with individuals without rosacea. After stratifying by age, they found that only individuals aged 60 years or older had significantly increased risk of Alzheimer disease (20%).

“Rosacea is significantly associated with dementia, particularly AD. Increased focus on symptoms of cognitive dysfunction in older patients with rosacea may be relevant,” the researchers concluded.

—Michael Potts

Reference:

Egeberg A, Hansen PR, Gislason GH, Thyssen JP. Patients with rosacea have increased risk of dementia [published online April 28, 2016]. Ann Neurol. doi:10.1002/ana.24645