Birth Rate as a Determinant of Dementia Incidence: A Comprehensive Global Analysis.

Abstract

Background: The role of parity in predicting dementia risk in women is debated. This study examines how birth rate affects global dementia incidence.

Methods: Country-specific data on birth rate and dementia incidence rate were analyzed using bivariate analysis, partial correlation, and multiple linear regression. Confounding factors such as aging, affluence, genetic predisposition (I_bs), and urbanization were considered.

Results: Pearson's r and nonparametric analyzes showed a significant inverse correlation between birth rate and dementia incidence. This relationship remained significant after controlling for aging, affluence, I_bs, and urbanization. Multiple linear regression identified birth rate as a significant predictor of dementia incidence, and as the strongest predictor. Affluence and urbanization were not significant predictors. The correlation was stronger in developing countries.

Conclusions: Lower birth rate is an independent risk factor for dementia, particularly in developed countries. These findings highlight the importance of considering birth rate in dementia studies.