Address these health concerns for decreased risk of early-onset dementia, suggests study
Reduce your risk of early dementia by addressing modifiable risk factors A new study reveals that cognitive decline can begin years before symptoms appear, but making changes can help combat this condition
Cognitive decline may start many years before symptoms of dementia appear, and for some individuals, this can occur as early as age 30, a condition referred to as young-onset dementia. A 2021 study estimated that nearly 4 million people between the ages of 30 and 64 are currently living with this condition globally, and the number of cases continues to increase.
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Risk factors for later-life dementia and Alzheimer's disease are well-known, including older age, biological sex at birth (with women more susceptible to Alzheimer's), and genetics such as the APOE4 gene. While non-modifiable risk factors, other factors such as smoking, prediabetes, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, depression, social isolation, and hearing loss can be modified to reduce risk. Additionally, young-onset dementia has been linked primarily to the APOE4 gene, but a new study suggests that many of the same risk factors for later-life dementia also contribute to early-onset dementia, offering new potential for prevention and treatment.
Lead study author Stevie Hendriks, a postdoctoral researcher in psychiatry and neuropsychology at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, stated, "This discovery reshapes our comprehension of young-onset dementia, questioning the assumption that genetics are the exclusive cause of the condition and emphasizing the potential significance of a variety of risk factors."
It is not yet clear if treating depression lessens dementia risk, researchers said.
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The study revealed a significant connection between depression and dementia. Hendriks stated, "In addition to physical factors, mental health also plays a crucial role in avoiding chronic stress, loneliness, and depression." He expressed surprise that this connection is evident in young-onset dementia and suggested that it may present opportunities to mitigate risk in this group as well.
Dr. Richard Isaacson, director of research at the Institute for Neurodegenerative Diseases in Florida, who was not involved in the study, stated that the results are consistent with his clinical work with patients fighting dementia. He strongly disagrees with the notion that people are powerless against early onset cognitive decline and believes that it is possible to be proactive about lifestyle and health factors to reduce the risk, aligning with the results of the new study.
Staying active, socially connected and eating a healthy diet are all ways to reducethe risk of cognitive decline, experts say.
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Modifiable risk factors
In a study released on Tuesday in the JAMA Neurology journal, 356,000 men and women were tracked as part of the UK Biobank longitudinal health study after enrolling at the age of 40. The researchers collected data on blood, urine, and saliva levels, as well as weight and other health measurements, and then compared the levels between groups that did and did not develop early dementia.
A man with a big belly. Obesity.The disease is overeating.
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Study reveals a connection between concealed abdominal fat and inflammation of the brain and dementia. It also uncovered common risk factors for late-onset and early-onset dementia, including alcohol abuse, diabetes, depression, and heart disease and stroke, all of which are associated with high blood pressure.
The study found that despite the young age of participants, other unexpected risk factors for developing early-onset dementia included social isolation, living with hearing loss, and low levels of vitamin D. The study also noted that while social isolation is linked to depression, both social isolation and depression directly contributed to the risk of developing dementia.
Women with elevated C-reactive protein levels, signaling infection or inflammation, were found to have a higher risk of early-onset dementia. Additionally, orthostatic hypotension, which causes dizziness upon standing due to a drop in blood pressure, was also identified as a contributing factor.
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"Hazard ratios for orthostatic hypotension and depression were found to be highest, indicating that the risk of developing young-onset dementia is elevated in individuals with these conditions compared to those without them," Hendriks explained. "However, the actual risks remain relatively small, and the majority of individuals with orthostatic hypotension or depression will not go on to develop young-onset dementia."
Additionally, having two copies of APOE4, a key genetic marker for Alzheimer's disease, played a significant role, as did an individual's socioeconomic status and access to higher education. The study also found that the role of diabetes varied by gender: Men with diabetes had a higher risk of developing young-onset dementia compared to those without diabetes, while there was no association between diabetes and young-onset dementia in women.
Reducing risk
There are a number of actions people can take to reduce their risk for early-onset dementia, Hendriks said, including not smoking and maintaining a healthy diet.
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"Stay curious: embrace learning new things, dedicate time to a hobby, and maintain social engagement by visiting loved ones or attending social events," she advised. "Prioritize regular exercise: keep active, any form of exercise is beneficial, whether it's a gentle stroll or a vigorous workout. Find what suits you best."
Isaacson emphasized that the findings of this study should ultimately leave individuals feeling motivated and empowered.
"Further research is necessary to conclusively identify the most effective protective factors for different individuals, but I encourage those at risk to take action without delay," he advised.
"Be sure to schedule regular check-ups with your primary care physician and stay informed about your health indicators such as vitamin D levels, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Additionally, get your hearing tested and consider using a hearing aid if needed."
