Imagine fighting off the risk of bladder cancer with a secret weapon that also protects you from dementia! A recent systematic review and meta-analysis explored the relationship between Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) administration and dementia risk in bladder cancer patients. The study found that BCG use is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia, reducing the chances by a whopping 45%! It’s like having a superhero-like shield against two foes at once! The results were based on a thorough evaluation of five high-quality studies involving over 45,000 bladder cancer patients. Despite some heterogeneity, the pooled data showed a clear benefit of BCG treatment. This finding paves the way for potential benefits for the wider population, but more research is needed to confirm this in non-cancer patients. Stay tuned for future epidemiological cohort studies that could solidify the link between BCG use and reduced dementia risk. If you want to dive into the nitty-gritty details, check out the original research article!
BackgroundPrevious cohort studies have found an association between Bacillus Calmette–Guérin (BCG) administration and incident dementia. In the systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to summarize the current evidence of the effect of BCG use on the risk of developing dementia.MethodsWe searched six databases until 20 May 2023 for studies investigating the risk of dementia and BCG administration. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were pooled in the meta-analysis. Meta-regression, subgroup, and sensitivity analysis were conducted as well.ResultsOf the 4,043 records initially evaluated, five articles were included for final analysis, with a total of 45,407 bladder cancer (BC) patients. All five studies were evaluated and rated as with high quality, and a low possibility of publication bias was indicated. A significant association between BCG and the incidence of dementia in BC patients was found in all five studies. Although a high heterogeneity (I2 = 84.5%, p < 0.001) was observed, the pooled HR was 0.55 (0.42–0.73), indicating that BCG exposure or treatment reduced the risk of incident dementia by 45%. Moreover, the sensitivity analysis showed good robustness of the overall effect with no serious publication bias.ConclusionBCG administration is associated with a significantly lower risk of developing dementia. However, an epidemiological cohort is needed to establish a relationship between BCG use and incident dementia in the normal population. Once the relationship is confirmed, more people may benefit from the association.Systematic review registrationidentifier: CRD42023428317.
Dr. David Lowemann, M.Sc, Ph.D., is a co-founder of the Institute for the Future of Human Potential, where he leads the charge in pioneering Self-Enhancement Science for the Success of Society. With a keen interest in exploring the untapped potential of the human mind, Dr. Lowemann has dedicated his career to pushing the boundaries of human capabilities and understanding.
Armed with a Master of Science degree and a Ph.D. in his field, Dr. Lowemann has consistently been at the forefront of research and innovation, delving into ways to optimize human performance, cognition, and overall well-being. His work at the Institute revolves around a profound commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to help individuals lead more fulfilling and intelligent lives.
Dr. Lowemann’s influence extends to the educational platform BetterSmarter.me, where he shares his insights, findings, and personal development strategies with a broader audience. His ongoing mission is shaping the way we perceive and leverage the vast capacities of the human mind, offering invaluable contributions to society’s overall success and collective well-being.