Migraines change brain but don't affect cognition

People who suffer from migraines and severe headaches do show changes to their brain over time but don't show symptoms of cognitive decline. Researchers from Inserm and the Universite Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris studied 780 people over 65. They studied them over 10 years using MRI (magnetic-resonance imaging) brain scans and performed cognitive tests of their 'orientation in time and space,' short-term memory and capacity and speed to correctly carry out specific tasks. The results showed that 21% of the sample suffered from severe headaches of whom 70% had migraine. The MRI scans showed that those who suffered with headaches were twice as likely to 'have a large quantity of microvascular brain lesions.' However, there was no difference in cognitive function between those with and without headaches.

Migraines and mental health

As if they hadn't already got enough to contend with people who suffer from migraines are also at an increased risk of mood and anxiety disorders, according to a study of 7,124 adults by researchers at the University of Manitoba, Winnipeg. The study used data from the German Health Survey, which was carried out between 1997 and 1999. Among the whole sample 11.7% reported a history of migraine headaches and there was a significant association between having migraines in the past year and mood and anxiety disorders.

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http://uk.reuters.com/article/healthNews/idUKTRE50K5N620090121?feedType=RSS&feedName=healthNews