Flooding increases dementia risk by 65% in UK

A new study has found that people whose homes have flooded face a 65% higher risk of developing dementia within a year. This research, published in Nature Communications Medicine, analyzed health records of nearly 500,000 individuals in the UK. The study revealed that flooding increases the likelihood of developing Alzheimer's disease by 44% and vascular dementia by 65%. Researchers linked these risks to mental health issues, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depression, caused by flooding. More than five million homes in the UK are at risk of flooding. The findings suggest a need for improved public health strategies to support residents in flood-prone areas.