Millions of people who suffer from varicose veins may have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia, a study from South Korea suggests.
Experts, who analysed data from almost half a million people, found that those with enlarged and twisted veins (varicose veins) were 23.5 per cent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia.
This increased risk remained valid even after scientists took into account factors such as age, gender, body weight, smoking status and alcohol consumption — all known risk factors for this condition.
Men, active smokers, and heavy alcohol drinkers with varicose veins were at particularly high risk of developing dementia.
Writing in the journal PLOS One, the authors said the exact reasons why varicose veins may be linked to dementia need further research.
However, they suggested that the link may lie in the fact that this apparent condition can indicate poor blood circulation in the body — a known risk factor for dementia.
Another theory is that varicose veins may contribute to general inflammation in the body, helping to accelerate or worsen processes that damage the brain.
The study also found that patients who treated their varicose veins were 43 percent less likely to suffer from vascular dementia — a type of dementia caused by a series of mini-ischemias that restrict blood flow to the brain.
Researchers analyzed health records of 396,767 men and women in Korea with an average age of 56, of whom about 5,000 had varicose veins.
The participants' health records were followed for an average of 13 years. By the end of this period, 14 percent had been diagnosed with dementia.
Although it was a large study, the authors noted that there were some limitations.
First, the study was observational, meaning that while the data suggested a link between varicose veins and dementia, it cannot prove that one condition causes the other.
Second, the data used by the scientists only recorded the presence of varicose veins, not the severity of the condition.
The authors suggested that assessing whether patients with more severe varicose veins have a greater risk for dementia is an area that requires further study.
Also, experts were unable to account for genetic predisposition to this condition, which may have influenced the results.
Finally, they noted that the study only included Korean patients, and therefore may have limited applicability to other populations.
It is estimated that one in four men and one in three women in the UK suffer from varicose veins.
In the US, about 11 million men and 22 million women live with this condition.
Varicose veins are enlarged blood vessels that appear swollen and twisted near the surface of the skin and in some cases can appear as lumps.
They can cause pain, skin problems, and swelling of the limbs.
Although most common in the legs, they can also occur in other parts of the body.
Risk factors for varicose veins include sitting or standing for long periods, as well as smoking and being overweight.
While the chances of developing varicose veins generally increase with age, certain groups — such as pregnant women — are at increased risk.
About two out of every five pregnant women — almost half — will develop varicose veins during their pregnancy.
Although not usually considered a serious medical problem, those who experience significant pain or complications may receive treatment.
This treatment may include minor procedures to remove veins or restrict blood flow, or the use of compression stockings.
Dementia affects around one million people in the UK.
A recent analysis by the Alzheimer's Society estimates that the total annual cost of dementia to the UK is £42 billion per year, with families bearing the brunt.
An ageing population means these costs — which include the lost income of unpaid carers — are expected to rise to £90 billion over the next 15 years.
A separate analysis by Alzheimer's Research UK found that 74,261 people died from dementia in 2022 compared to 69,178 the year before, making it the biggest killer in the country. /Express newspaper/
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