Migraine and its relationship to cognitive function, hormonal factors, vascular disease and dementia in an aging population, an analysis of the prospective cohort longitudinal CLSA study

Project Summary

It is unclear whether individuals with migraine experience greater cognitive decline or higher dementia risk with age. Migraine, especially with aura, is linked to increased vascular risk, which may contribute to changes in memory and thinking. This study will compare cognitive function and dementia risk in Canadians with and without migraine, using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), which follows over 50,000 adults aged 45-85. We will evaluate whether migraine is associated with worsening cognitive performance or just subjective memory decline, and explore the role of vascular conditions (like high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease) and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in this relationship. Migraine is common, particularly in women, and a leading cause of disability in people under 50 (1). Understanding its long-term effects on brain health may help improve care and reduce dementia risk in this population.