Researchers from the University of Exeter (UK) and Maastricht University (Netherlands) have made a significant announcement. They identified over a dozen factors that increase the risk of developing early-onset dementia.
Nearly four million people worldwide suffer from this condition before they turn 65, which is classified as premature dementia. Each year, 370,000 new cases are diagnosed, according to The Guardian.
What the Researchers Discovered
The team analyzed data from 350,000 volunteers under the age of 65 who participated in the UK Biobank study. Their analysis revealed the key factors influencing an individual’s susceptibility to early dementia.
Among the primary risk factors for premature dementia, they identified conditions such as orthostatic hypotension, depression, alcoholism, stroke, genetic predisposition, financial insecurity, diabetes, heart disease, and social isolation.
“Addressing these factors could prove effective in reducing the risk of developing dementia at a young age,” the team stated in their report published in JAMA Neurology.
Dementia is one of the most serious health challenges faced by healthcare workers across various countries. Approximately 57 million people worldwide are affected by this condition. Women are significantly more likely than men to develop dementia. Experts predict that by 2050, due to the aging and growth of the global population, this illness could impact 153 million individuals.