Schizophrenia strongly linked to risk of dementia compared to depression or anxiety

Non-affective psychotic disorders have been associated with an increased risk of developing dementia. However, research in this area remains limited, highlighting the need for an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence.

UCL researchers have found in a systematic review and meta-analysis that People with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia are 2.5 times more likely than those without a psychotic disorder to eventually develop dementia. The new meta-analysis found that psychotic disorders may have a stronger link with dementia than other mental health disorders like depression or anxiety.

Dementia is a syndrome characterised by progressive cognitive and functional decline constituting one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The prevalence of dementia is on the rise and it is estimated to double every 20 years, making it a major public health concern.

Schizophrenia and other related psychotic disorders are severe illnesses that involve symptoms such as hallucinations and delusions, and social withdrawal. Many people also experience impairments in cognitive and functional skills.

The researchers pulled together evidence from 11 studies from nine countries on four continents, which included close to 13 million participants in total.

They found that across multiple different psychotic disorders, and regardless of the age at which someone first developed their mental illness, there was a higher risk of dementia later in life.Some studies included people diagnosed with psychotic disorders while young adults, with follow-up periods of multiple decades. They also found that people who have had a psychotic disorder tend to be younger than average at dementia diagnosis, with two studies finding that people with psychotic disorders were much more likely to be diagnosed with dementia while still in their 60s.

The findings add to the list of modifiable risk factors for dementia. UCL researchers have previously found that four in 10 dementia cases could be prevented or delayed by targeting risk factors from across the lifespan.

For further reference log on to:

Dr Jean Stafford et al,Non-affective Psychotic Disorders and Risk of Dementia: A Systematic PMID: 36200264 DOI: 10.1017/S0033291722002781