A new study published on Tuesday found that depression, vitamin D deficiency, social isolation, and diabetes are among ten health issues that can increase the risk of early-onset dementia, marking the latest evidence on the causes of this condition apart from genetic factors.
Key Facts
The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association Neurology (JAMA Neurology) showed that individuals with vitamin D deficiency or depression have a higher risk of developing dementia symptoms before the age of 65, as do those with diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hearing impairment, or stable low blood pressure.
Factors Associated with Early-Onset Dementia Risk
Factors associated with an increased risk of early-onset dementia include education (having an academic or professional degree), socioeconomic status (wealthier individuals have a lower risk), and alcohol use (moderate to heavy drinkers have a lesser association with dementia, while those who do not drink at all or suffer from alcohol use disorders have a higher risk).
Study Findings
Researchers from the University of Exeter, Maastricht University, and other institutions studied over 330,000 people under the age of 65 from the UK and considered 39 potential risk factors related to medical, demographic, lifestyle, environmental factors, and other indicators.
Early-Onset Dementia
Early-onset dementia often manifests as changes in personality or behavior in individuals aged between 30 and 60 years, affecting an estimated 3.9 million people worldwide, according to the study. About 5% of individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia develop symptoms before the age of 65, as reported by the Mayo Clinic.
The Large Number
A report from the Lancet Commission on dementia prevention, intervention, and care published in 2020 suggests that late-onset dementia cases (for those over 65) could be reduced by up to 40% if some risk factors like smoking, high alcohol consumption, and depression are eliminated.
Main Background
Early-onset or young-onset dementia can be attributed to a broader range of diseases compared to those affecting the elderly, with individuals suffering from early dementia likely to experience a wide range of symptoms in the early stages, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Memory loss is often not an early symptom of early-onset dementia, and patients are more likely to experience issues with movement, walking, coordination, or balance. The new study describes the condition as “working-age dementia” and refers to it as a “personal, social, and economic burden” on younger individuals due to its impacts on employment, social life, and family responsibilities.
Further Reading
For more information, you can check the following articles:
- Irregular Sleep Might Increase Risk Of Dementia, Study Finds
- Air Pollution Can Increase Risk Of Dementia, Study Suggests
- Puzzles And Games Cut Dementia Risk-But Socializing With Friends And Family Barely Helps, Study Finds
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Mary Witfield Roeloffs
Editor at Forbes
August 26, 2023, 03:49 PM
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