ABSTRACT NUMBER: ESOC2026A1780 THE IMPACTS OF MAJOR VASCULAR RISK FACTORS ON STROKE AND DEMENTIA

Abstract Background and aims Stroke imposes a heavy burden on Asians. Major vascular risk factors may increase the risk of incident stroke and potentially the risk of dementia. However, large-scale studies in Chinese populations remain limited. This study aims to assess the prevalence and trends of major vascular risk factors, the incidence of stroke and dementia, and the impact of these risk factors on both diseases. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study using data from “Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database”, covering twenty-three million people (2010-2020). We assessed the prevalence of major vascular risk factors including hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia and atrial fibrillation, calculated age- and sex-specific incidence of all-cause stroke and all-cause dementia, and performed trend analyses. Also, we applied the Cox regression hazard model to examine the risk of incident stroke and dementia over a 10-year follow-up. Results From 2011 to 2020, the prevalence of these risk factors increased significantly and was always higher in men (p<0.001). The age-adjusted incidence of all strokes decreased by 14% over time, more prominent in hemorrhagic stroke (p<0.001). Meanwhile, the age-adjusted incidence of all-cause dementia increased by 23% (p=0.039). Cox regression analysis revealed that patients with hypertension, diabetes or atrial fibrillation in 2010 had an increased risk of stroke, while those with hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipidemia had a higher risk of developing dementia in the subsequent 10 years. Conclusions Major vascular risk factors, especially hypertension and diabetes, not only increase the risk of stroke but also the risk of developing dementia later in life. Conflict of interest Chung-Fen Tsai, Ya-Hui Wang , Nai-Chi Teng, and Li-Kwang Chen: nothing to disclose