Cognitive and language function are lower in individuals with migraine versus those without, according to findings published in The Journal of Headache and Pain. The researchers conducted a systematic literature review to identify studies comparing cognitive function between individuals with and without migraine. Based on 22 studies of 3,295 patients with migraine, they found lower general cognitive function and language function in the migraine group versus the no migraine group (standard mean differences, −0.40 and −0.14 for general cognitive function and language, respectively). No significant differences were observed between the groups for visuospatial function, attention, executive function, or memory. Migraine was significantly associated with risk for dementia (OR/relative risk, 1.30). “Because of the association between migraine and cognitive impairment, neurological [physicians] should be vigilant and effectively intervene in migraineurs with high-risk factors [for] cognitive impairment to prevent the development of cognitive impairment,” the authors wrote.
