Medical professionals are sounding the alarm. While dementia typically affects older adults, each year, hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with early-onset dementia (EOD). A large-scale study conducted by researchers from the University of Exeter (UK) and Maastricht University (Netherlands) has shed light on the reasons behind this phenomenon.
Most previous research on dementia has focused on genetics, specifically the hereditary transmission of the disease. However, the current study explored a much broader range of factors and identified several health and lifestyle elements associated with the risk of developing EOD.
“This is the largest and most compelling study of its kind ever conducted. It is the first to show that steps can be taken to reduce the risk of this debilitating disease by addressing various factors,” said epidemiologist David Llewellyn, a co-author of the study.
What Did the Researchers Discover?
The team analyzed health and lifestyle data from 356,052 Britons under the age of 65. They found that the highest risk of developing EOD was linked to low socioeconomic status, 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) also indicated a very high risk, as did the presence of two variants of the ApoE4 ε4 gene (a genetic scenario associated with Alzheimer’s disease).
Meanwhile, the relationship between alcohol consumption and EOD was described by researchers as “complex,” according to Science Alert. While alcohol abuse increased the risk, moderate consumption correlated with a reduced risk—possibly because individuals in this group were generally healthier.
A higher level of education and lower physical frailty, measured by greater handgrip strength, were associated with a lower risk of EOD.
“In addition to physical factors, mental health plays a crucial role, particularly in preventing chronic stress, loneliness, and depression,” noted neuroepidemiologist Sebastian Keller.
All this information helps fill gaps in our understanding of early-onset dementia. With these insights, medical professionals can develop better treatment methods and preventive measures.
The fact that many of these factors are modifiable offers hope to those seeking ways to combat dementia. After all, the risk of developing early-onset dementia can be reduced by adopting a healthier lifestyle.
“Young-onset dementia poses very serious consequences, as those affected typically have jobs, children, and busy lives,” emphasized neurobiologist Stevie Hendrix.
The study’s findings were published in JAMA Neurology.