Research has shown that widespread pain in the body could be an early indication of dementia or a stroke.
Alzheimers is the most common cause of dementia and accounts for 60% - 80% of cases.
Genetics and age can play a role in who develops dementia, and it is most common in people over the age of 65.
Dementia is a term used for loss of memory leading to reduced language skills, problem-solving abilities, and thinking capabilities.
As it develops it can interfere significantly with daily life.
Other causes of dementia include: Lewy body dementia, Vascular dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and some people can experience dementia from more than one cause.
People often develop dementia gradually and it is caused by damage to the brain cells.
The damaged brain cells struggle to communicate with each other, which in turn impairs thinking, behaviour, and emotion.
Symptoms often deteriorate over time, gradually becoming worse.
There is no cure for dementia but there is a treatment process to help slow the mental deterioration.
Early signs of dementia
Common early symptoms of dementia include:
- Memory loss
- Difficulty concentrating
- Finding it hard to carry out familiar daily tasks, such as getting confused over the correct change when shopping
- Struggling to follow a conversation or finding the right word
- Becoming confused about time and place
- Mood changes
These symptoms could appear minor at first but could gradually become worse.
New dementia study
Now, researchers have discovered that widespread pain could be an early indication of dementia.
Researchers at Chongqing medical university in China have discovered that a pain that is long-lasting in multiple areas of the body could be an early sign of dementia or a stroke.
The study carried out by the researchers gathered data from 2,500 adults and found that those with widespread pain were 43% more likely to suffer from dementia than those without.
The same study also found that widespread pain could also indicate the likelihood of a stroke by 29%.
The medical researchers said “These findings provide convincing evidence that widespread pain may be a risk factor for all-cause dementia and stroke.
“This increased risk is independent of age, sex, multiple sociodemographic, and health status and behaviours.”
The study was carried out between 1990 and 1994 with participants undergoing physical and lab tests, as well as pain assessments.
All participants in the study were then monitored over the course of 15 years for any signs of dementia or a stroke.
How to reduce the risk of dementia
Researchers have also discovered that someone who has a poor diet, is overweight, drinks excessive amounts of alcohol, and has low levels of physical activity could increase their risk of developing dementia.
The Alzheimer’s Society outlines ways to help reduce your risk of dementia, these include:
- Be physically active
- Eat Healthily
- Don’t smoke
- Drink less alcohol
- Exercise your mind
- Take control of your health
