Cannabis-related hospital visits linked to higher dementia risk, study finds
A recent study conducted by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) has found that adults who have visited the hospital due to cannabis use could be at a higher risk of developing dementia. The research analyzed health data from Ontario, Canada, between 2008 and 2021, involving over six million individuals aged 45 to 105 years old. The study revealed that individuals who had an emergency department visit for using cannabis were at a 23% greater risk of a dementia diagnosis within five years. Moreover, those who were hospitalized due to cannabis use were at a much larger 72% risk of dementia.
The research found that 16,275 individuals had acute care due to cannabis use, with sixty percent of them being men. The annual rates of incident acute care increased significantly with age, with a fivefold increase between 45 and 64 years old, and a 26.7-fold increase in individuals older than 65. Even after considering other factors such as pre-existing health conditions, socioeconomic status, and prior care for other substances or mental health conditions, the elevated risk of dementia persisted in individuals who received acute care due to cannabis use.
Lead study author Dr. Daniel Myran, an ICES scientist and assistant professor of family medicine at the University of Ottawa, emphasized that while the study does not prove that cannabis use causes dementia, it highlights a concerning association. He expressed surprise at the substantial increase over time in the number of adults aged 45 or older with an ER visit or hospitalization related to cannabis, indicating major shifts in cannabis use patterns and potential adverse effects.
Although cannabis use is legal in many places, Myran cautioned that it does not come without harm. Cannabis use is associated with short-term memory impairment and long-term changes in brain structure. The study also revealed that older adults with an ER visit or hospitalization related to cannabis had a high incidence of dementia diagnosis at five and ten years.
One limitation of the study was the lack of details on patterns of cannabis use and other health behaviors. Myran stressed that regular cannabis use, especially of higher-strength products, may have negative impacts on brain health and memory. As cannabis becomes more widely accepted for medical and recreational use, it is essential to consider the potential risks associated with its consumption.
In conclusion, the study sheds light on the potential risks of cannabis use, particularly in individuals who require emergency care or hospitalization due to its effects. Further research is needed to understand the full extent of the impact of cannabis use on brain health and cognitive function.
