New research in the link between migraines and dementia or cognitive decline suggest that one is not associated with the other. Migraines result in sharp pain in one side of the brain and is accompanied with other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound (Mayo Clinic). Worldwide, twenty percent of females are affected by migraines, but a new research from Brigham and Women’s Hospital has suggested that migraines do not have the long term consequences commonly associated with it (ScienceDaily).

The Women’s Health Study, which consisted of about 40,000 women from ages 45 and older, was used to test the relationship between migraines and cognitive decline. Four groups were created: one with no history of migraines, migraines with aura, migraines without aura, and past history of migraine (ScienceDaily). Migraines with aura are those that include the normal symptoms but also with flashes of light, blind spots, or tingling in arm or leg prior to the onset of the migraine (Mayo Clinic). The study was carried out in a two year interval with up to three cognitive test at a time. The results were that women with no past history of migraines and those that did had no significant cognitive decline differences (ScienceDaily).

Cognitive decline which affects memory retention can negatively impact one’s daily life, but seeing that there isn’t a significant link between migraines and cognitive decline can bring hope to those that experience them. This study can help doctors in better diagnosing their patients since migraines are normally associated with cognitive decline, and cognitive decline is the first step to Alzheimer’s, which affect about 11% of those over the age of 65 (Tortora and Derrickson 2012). Further research in the affects of migraines will eliminate older beliefs about it and result in better treatment to the large population that are affected by migraines today.

Sources

Brigham and Women’s Hospital. “Good news. Migraines hurt your head but not your brain.” ScienceDaily. 10 Aug. 2012. Web. 29 Nov. 2012

Mayo Clinic Staff. Migraine. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/migraine-headache/DS00120. Accessed November 29, 2012.

Tortora G.J. and B. Derrickson. 2012. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. 13th ed., John Wiley and Sons