Atlanta, GA,
10
November
2019
|
16:30 PM
America/New_York

Incidence of Dementia and Association with Cardiovascular Disease and Risk Factors in Rheumatoid Arthritis – Analysis of a National Claims Database

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) and risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as high blood pressure, are known risk factors for dementia. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a high risk of cardiovascular disease as a result of underlying inflammation. However, it is unknown if RA patients at risk of CVD are similarly at higher risk of developing dementia. The objective of this study was to describe the incidence of dementia among patients with RA age 65 and older, and to compare the risk of new onset dementia among those with known cardiovascular disease; those with CVD risk factors, but no cardiovascular disease; and those without CVD or risk factors.

Investigators found that the incidence of dementia in patients with RA was as high or higher than previous reports from the general population. The presence of CVD in patients with RA increases the risk for dementia up to 2-fold when compared to RA patients without CVD or risk factors for CVD. The study suggests that in patients with RA, increasing risk for CVD may also be associated with an increased risk for dementia. The investigators wrote that further studies comparing patients with RA to those without RA are needed to clarify this association, as well as the impact of RA treatments, and primary and secondary CVD prevention.

About HSS

HSS is the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 14th consecutive year), No. 2 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2023-2024), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” list (2023-2024). In a survey of medical professionals in more than 20 countries by Newsweek, HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics for a fourth consecutive year (2023). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection and complication rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. In addition, more than 200 HSS clinical investigators are working to improve patient outcomes through better ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat orthopedic, rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. The HSS Innovation Institute works to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 165 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu.