For many Australians, there is a condition commonly found on the legs. These are generally considered a nuisance but otherwise harmless—or are they?
New research suggests that these could be a warning sign of something far more serious: a significantly increased risk of dementia.
Based on health data from nearly 400,000 adults tracked over 13 years, the findings have sent ripples through the medical community and raised important questions for anyone concerned about their brain health as they age.
The major Korean study in question, recently published in the journal PLOS One, has found that people with varicose veins are about 23.5 per cent more likely to develop dementia than those without.
What are varicose veins, and who gets them?
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that often appear blue or dark purple and are commonly found on the legs and feet.
They occur when the valves in the veins that help regulate blood flow become weak or damaged, causing blood to pool and the veins to bulge.
While they can be uncomfortable and sometimes painful, they’re usually considered a cosmetic issue rather than a serious health threat.
However, varicose veins are incredibly common, especially as we age. It’s estimated that up to one in three women and one in four men in Australia will develop them at some point in their lives.
Pregnancy, obesity, standing or sitting for long periods, and a family history of vein problems can all increase your risk.
The surprising link to dementia
The Korean study tracked nearly 400,000 men and women, with an average age of 56, for over a decade. About 5,000 participants had varicose veins at the start of the study. By the end, 14 per cent of all participants had been diagnosed with dementia.
After accounting for other risk factors, such as age, sex, weight, smoking, and alcohol consumption, the researchers found that those with varicose veins were 23.5 per cent more likely to develop dementia. The risk was even higher for men, current smokers, and heavy drinkers with varicose veins.
While the study can’t prove that varicose veins directly cause dementia, it does suggest a strong association.
The researchers believe the link may be due to poor blood flow, which is a known risk factor for dementia, or possibly because varicose veins contribute to inflammation throughout the body, which can damage the brain over time.
Treatment may lower your risk
Perhaps the most encouraging finding from the study was that people who had their varicose veins treated were 43 per cent less likely to develop vascular dementia—the type of dementia caused by reduced blood flow to the brain—compared to those who didn’t seek treatment.
Treatments for varicose veins range from wearing compression stockings to minor surgical procedures that remove or seal off the affected veins.
If you’re experiencing pain, swelling, or skin changes around your veins, it’s worth discussing treatment options with your GP—not just for comfort, but potentially for your long-term brain health.
What does this mean for Australians?
Dementia is already a major health concern in Australia, affecting nearly half a million people, with numbers expected to double in the next 30 years as our population ages.
Anything that can help reduce the risk, even by a small amount, could have a big impact on individuals, families, and the healthcare system.
While this study was conducted in Korea, the findings are likely relevant to Australians, given the similar rates of varicose veins and dementia.
However, the researchers do note some limitations: the study was observational, so it can’t prove cause and effect, and it didn’t account for genetic risk factors or the severity of varicose veins.
What can you do to protect your veins—and your brain?
The good news is that many of the steps you can take to prevent or manage varicose veins are also good for your overall health and may help protect your brain:
Stay active: Regular exercise improves circulation and helps maintain a healthy weight.
Avoid long periods of standing or sitting: If your job or lifestyle requires it, try to take breaks to move around.
Maintain a healthy weight: Excess weight puts extra pressure on your veins.
Don’t smoke: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases your risk of both varicose veins and dementia.
Limit alcohol: Heavy drinking is a risk factor for both conditions.
Wear compression stockings: These can help support your veins and improve blood flow.
If you already have varicose veins, don’t ignore them, especially if you notice pain, swelling, or skin changes. Talk to your doctor about whether treatment might be right for you.
The bigger picture: Why blood flow matters for brain health
This study adds to a growing body of evidence that what’s good for your heart and blood vessels is also good for your brain.
Conditions that affect blood flow, like high blood pressure, diabetes, and now possibly varicose veins, can all increase your risk of dementia.
Keeping your blood vessels healthy through lifestyle changes, regular check-ups, and managing chronic conditions is one of the best ways to protect your memory and cognitive function as you age.
Have you experienced varicose veins or had them treated? Have you noticed any changes in your memory or thinking? We’d love to hear your story—share your experiences and tips in the comments below.
As always, this article is for general information only and does not replace advice from your healthcare provider. If you have concerns about your veins or memory, please consult your GP.
Also read: 17 overlapping risk factors for stroke, dementia and depression
