While dementia is more commonly associated with older age, hundreds of thousands of people worldwide are diagnosed with early-onset dementia (YOD) each year. A comprehensive study conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter (UK) and Maastricht University (Netherlands) has shed light on the factors leading to this diagnosis.
Most previous research has focused on genetics as the primary cause of early dementia. However, the authors of the current study identified several risk factors for YOD that are largely related to lifestyle and health conditions.
“This is the largest and most reliable study on early dementia ever conducted,” assured British epidemiologist David Llewellyn. He stated that the findings from the team have shown for the first time that certain factors can be influenced to reduce the risk of this debilitating disease.
Dementia is a brain disease characterized by memory loss, attention deficits, impaired thinking, language difficulties, and challenges with daily activities. It poses a threat of complete personality destruction. Currently, over 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with 60 percent residing in low- or middle-income countries. Approximately 10 million new cases of the disease are reported globally each year. The most common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, accounts for 60-70 percent of cases.
How the Study Was Conducted
The research team analyzed health data from 356,052 Britons under the age of 65. They found that a higher risk of developing YOD is primarily associated with social isolation, hearing impairment, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.
A deficiency in vitamin D and elevated levels of C-reactive protein (produced by the liver in response to inflammation), as well as the presence of two variants of the ApoE4 ε4 gene (a genetic scenario already linked to Alzheimer’s disease), also indicated an increased risk of early dementia.
Researchers described the relationship between alcohol consumption and YOD as a “complex” factor, according to Science Alert. While alcohol abuse was linked to a higher risk, moderate and frequent consumption correlated with a lower risk—possibly because individuals in the latter group tend to be generally healthier. (It’s important to note that those who completely abstain from alcohol often do so for medical reasons.)
A higher level of education and less physical frailty (measured by grip strength) were also associated with a lower risk of YOD.
The Value of the Study’s Findings
“From previous studies on individuals who developed dementia in older age, we already knew that there are several modifiable risk factors,” noted Dutch neuroepidemiologist Sebastian Keller.
He emphasized that, in addition to physical factors, mental health factors such as chronic stress, loneliness, and depression also play a significant role. Although the results did not show a direct link between these factors and dementia, they help to create a more detailed picture.
As is often the case in studies of this nature, understanding the causes can aid in developing preventive measures and more effective treatment methods for the disease.
Many of these factors are modifiable. This offers greater hope to those seeking ways to combat dementia rather than merely managing it. Ultimately, the risk of developing dementia can be reduced by leading a healthier lifestyle.
“Genetics has often been considered the cause of YOD, but in many cases, the factors were different, which scientists were not yet aware of,” he added. This is why this research is extremely important.
The findings of the study were published in JAMA Neurology.