Study Links Psoriasis to Increased Dementia Risk

A large population-based cohort study published in the Annals of Clinical and Translational Neurology has identified a modestly increased risk of dementia in individuals with psoriasis, with stronger associations observed in cases of severe psoriasis and over time. The study analyzed data from 360,014 individuals with psoriasis and 1,799,617 matched controls in England, spanning 1997 to 2021. 

Overall, psoriasis was associated with a small increased risk of all-cause dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.06; 95% CI 1.04–1.08), equating to an absolute rate difference of 24 cases per 100,000 person-years. The risk increased with disease duration, from no significant elevation within the first 5 years of diagnosis (aHR 0.99; 95% CI 0.96–1.03) to a 20% higher risk between 20 and 25 years post-diagnosis (aHR 1.20; 95% CI 1.05–1.37). 

The type of dementia also influenced the association. Psoriasis was more strongly linked to vascular dementia (aHR 1.10; 95% CI 1.06–1.14) compared to Alzheimer’s dementia (aHR 1.03; 95% CI 1.00–1.06). Severe psoriasis showed a notably higher risk, with aHRs of 1.32 for all-cause dementia, 1.58 for vascular dementia, and 1.11 for Alzheimer’s dementia. 

These findings suggest a dose-response relationship between psoriasis severity and dementia risk, particularly for vascular dementia. While the absolute risk differences remain small, the study highlights the importance of long-term monitoring for cognitive health in patients with psoriasis, especially those with severe disease or extended disease duration. 

This research adds critical evidence to the understanding of psoriasis-related comorbidities and may inform future strategies for comprehensive patient management.

Reference
Matthewman J, Mansfield KE, Cadogan SL, et al. Psoriasis and dementia: a population-based matched cohort study of adults in England. Ann Clin Transl Neurol. Published online January 1, 2025. doi:10.1002/acn3.52283