A recent study has suggested a link between changes in urine habits and the onset of dementia. While alterations in urine can often be attributed to factors such as increased water consumption or other health conditions, there is a specific indicator that may connect these changes to the progressive disease.
In 2022, an analysis by Alzheimer’s Research UK revealed that 74,261 individuals died from dementia, establishing it as the leading cause of death in the country.
According to the Mayo Clinic, individuals with dementia may experience symptoms such as memory difficulties, challenges in thinking and reasoning, language problems, and issues with coordination and movement control, alongside depression and heightened anxiety.
Previous research has connected gut and bowel habits, including constipation, to an increased risk of developing dementia. Now, Swedish researchers have identified a potential link involving urination patterns.
A particular focus is on the occurrence of foamy urine. For those unfamiliar, foamy urine resembles a frothy beer head.
Dr. Hong Xu, an assistant professor in neurobiology at the Karolinska Institute, explains: “The kidneys and the brain may seem like very different organs, but they share an important characteristic: both depend on a delicate network of small blood vessels. When the blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged, the same process often occurs in the brain.”
By tracking 130,000 individuals over the age of 65 in Stockholm who were initially without dementia, the researchers observed that within four years, seven percent of participants developed the condition.
Their analysis, which included examining kidney function and other factors, revealed that individuals with moderate levels of the protein albumin in their urine (between 30–299 mg/g) had a 25 percent higher risk of developing dementia as they aged. Those with albumin levels exceeding 300 mg/g faced a 37 percent higher risk compared to individuals with levels up to 30 mg/g.
It is important to note that high levels of albumin in urine do not guarantee the development of dementia symptoms.
According to the Foundation, symptoms associated with albumin in the urine include foamy urine, frequent urination, puffy eyes, and swelling in the feet, ankles, stomach, or face.
The researchers discovered that foamy urine had a significant association with vascular dementia, the second most prevalent form of dementia.
Dr. Hong Xu emphasizes that screenings for elevated albumin levels, known as albuminuria, should be included in the diagnostic process. She states: “These results underscore the importance of routine screening for albuminuria as part of early dementia risk assessment, especially in patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or kidney disease. Early detection of albuminuria could potentially delay or prevent the onset of dementia.”
Publishing their findings in the Journal of Internal Medicine, the researchers concluded: “Our statistical data suggest that increased albuminuria is associated with a higher risk of all-cause dementia, particularly vascular and mixed dementia. Early detection of albuminuria may enable more proactive management of kidney health and cognitive function, potentially delaying or preventing the onset of dementia.”